German hard rock band Rammstein has provoked outrage among Jewish groups and politicians with a video advertising its new album in which band members appear dressed as concentration camp prisoners. 
 
In the short video, available online, band members appear dressed in the striped uniforms of concentration camp prisoners with nooses around their necks. 
"With this video, the band has crossed a line," Charlotte Knobloch, a Holocaust survivor and former president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, told mass-selling daily Bild. 
 
"The instrumentalisation and trivialisation of the Holocaust, as shown in the images, is irresponsible." 
 
Felix Klein, the government`s commissioner for anti-semitism, said if the video was simply to promote sales, "I think it is a tasteless exploitation of artistic freedom."&nbsp;Rammstein are no strangers to controversy. 
 
Since launching in Berlin in 1995, the band has courted controversy with its albums, which have touched on such subjects as sadomasochism, homosexuality, incest, abuse, necrophilia, pyromania, cannibalism and sexual violence. 
 
In 2009, the government banned Rammstein`s hit album 'Liebe ist Fuer Alle Da' ("Love is For All") from public display in stores because of its depictions of sado-masochism.

German hard rock band Rammstein has provoked outrage among Jewish groups and politicians with a video advertising its new album in which band members appear dressed as concentration camp prisoners.

German hard rock band Rammstein has provoked outrage among Jewish groups and politicians with a video advertising its new album in which band members appear dressed as concentration camp prisoners. In the short video, available online, band members appear dressed in the striped uniforms of concentration camp prisoners with nooses around their necks. "With this video, the band has crossed a line," Charlotte Knobloch, a Holocaust survivor and former president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, told mass-selling daily Bild. "The instrumentalisation and trivialisation of the Holocaust, as shown in the images, is irresponsible." Felix Klein, the government`s commissioner for anti-semitism, said if the video was simply to promote sales, "I think it is a tasteless exploitation of artistic freedom." Rammstein are no strangers to controversy. Since launching in Berlin in 1995, the band has courted controversy with its albums, which have touched on such subjects as sadomasochism, homosexuality, incest, abuse, necrophilia, pyromania, cannibalism and sexual violence. In 2009, the government banned Rammstein`s hit album 'Liebe ist Fuer Alle Da' ("Love is For All") from public display in stores because of its depictions of sado-masochism.

German rock band Rammstein causes outrage with Nazi camp video

Thai teen idol Namsai feared being booted from her band after a photo of her wearing a t-shirt with a Nazi swastika went viral, but without the uproar she says she would have remained ignorant about the offensive implications of her fashion choices.

As Europe battles, a surge in anti-Semitism, including the desecration of graves in France, Southeast Asia is wrestling with a lack of understanding about the provenance of Nazi paraphernalia that casually creeps into public spaces.

From swastika-adorned trinkets on sale at Thai markets to selfies with Hitler statues in Indonesia, Nazi symbols are easy to find -- a problem critics attribute to ignorance and a misplaced fascination with the fascist regime.

"I was shocked," the contrite singer said of the outcry. "But I felt it was my fault. I wasn't aware even though I should have known."

The 19-year-old is a member of BNK48, one of the most popular girl bands in the country, performing choreographed J-pop-style numbers to adoring crowds.&nbsp;

But Namsai, whose real name is Pitchayapa Natha, waded into controversy when she wore a red-and-black top showing a Nazi flag and swastika during a televised rehearsal last month, prompting the Israeli embassy to express "shock and dismay".

Namsai, who has more than 370,000 followers on Instagram, swiftly posted an apology for what she called "my mistake", met with Israeli diplomats, and offered a tearful onstage apology.

Now she says she may join them in conducting seminars on Holocaust education in Thai schools.&nbsp;

In the meantime, she is researching Nazi history on her own.

"It was a bad experience," she said. But it also presented an "opportunity" to learn, she added, citing a visit to the Holocaust memorial at the UN in Bangkok also attended by other band members.

Selfies and shirts

While Hitler's forces carried out atrocities in Europe, his Japanese allies led a scorched-earth campaign across Asia during World War II.

As a result, Japanese wartime actions are the more immediate prism through which many view the region's history.&nbsp;

The Holocaust is covered in high school textbooks in Thailand but it's "a small portion" of the world history sections, said Chalermchai Phanlert, an academic at the Education Ministry.

That means less emphasis on Nazis and their impact on Europe.

Derived from Sanskrit and with roots in India, the swastika is a commonly displayed motif in Hindu temples across Asia.

But Chalermchai said younger Thais do not fully understand the swastika's European context or Nazi history in general. Instead, Third Reich symbols are used to sell fashion and anti-establishment culture.

In September a love motel outside Bangkok sparked outcry after photos online showed a portrait of Hitler hanging in one of its themed rooms.&nbsp;

Red-and-white swastika badges, stamps, flags and other Nazi-themed trinkets are on sale at Bangkok's popular Chatuchak weekend market, while a vendor on tourist hub Khaosan Road hawks t-shirts of a naked Hitler enjoying a beach holiday.

Enthusiasm for Nazi iconography and portrayals of Hitler have earned rebukes in other Southeast Asian countries.

In 2017 an Indonesian museum that allowed visitors to take selfies with a wax sculpture of Hitler removed the exhibit following global condemnation.

But awareness of the offence caused is growing.

In Myanmar's biggest city Yangon shopkeeper Ko Ko Aung said he used to be part of the punk scene where clothes with swastikas were part of a spirit of rebellion.

Now he says he understands that "punk and Hitler are not connected".&nbsp;

'Nazi chic'

It is both "inaccurate and unhelpful" to draw a link between a vogue for Nazi chic and anti-Semitism, says Elliot Brennan of the Institute for Security and Development Policy in Stockholm.

"That is not to say that anti-Semitism does not exist in Asia but one could argue these are led more by anti-Israel positions than anti-Semitism," he said.&nbsp;

Thai history lecturer Tul Israngura Na Ayudhya said the fascination with Hitler has to be seen in context, adding that a lack of education is only part of the story.

Many countries in Asia have a complex relationship with strongmen generals and leaders who are sometimes wrongly applauded as nationalist modernisers.

He cited Mao Zedong, a figure whose policies cost countless lives but who has been the subject of nostalgia in some quarters of late.&nbsp;

And so Hitler is not necessarily "associated with the devil" by everyone in the region.

Tul teaches one of the few university courses devoted to Nazi Germany in Thailand at Chulalongkorn University, where his syllabus begins with Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel's memoir "Night".

One of his students, German major Thanapon Danpakdee, laments the carefree approach to Nazi symbols in Thailand, even when it is not meant to offend.

"I think they ignore the other side," he said.

Thai teen idol Namsai feared being booted from her band after a photo of her wearing a t-shirt with a Nazi swastika went viral, but without the uproar she says she would have remained ignorant about the offensive implications of her fashion choices.

Thai teen idol Namsai feared being booted from her band after a photo of her wearing a t-shirt with a Nazi swastika went viral, but without the uproar she says she would have remained ignorant about the offensive implications of her fashion choices. As Europe battles, a surge in anti-Semitism, including the desecration of graves in France, Southeast Asia is wrestling with a lack of understanding about the provenance of Nazi paraphernalia that casually creeps into public spaces. From swastika-adorned trinkets on sale at Thai markets to selfies with Hitler statues in Indonesia, Nazi symbols are easy to find -- a problem critics attribute to ignorance and a misplaced fascination with the fascist regime. "I was shocked," the contrite singer said of the outcry. "But I felt it was my fault. I wasn't aware even though I should have known." The 19-year-old is a member of BNK48, one of the most popular girl bands in the country, performing choreographed J-pop-style numbers to adoring crowds. But Namsai, whose real name is Pitchayapa Natha, waded into controversy when she wore a red-and-black top showing a Nazi flag and swastika during a televised rehearsal last month, prompting the Israeli embassy to express "shock and dismay". Namsai, who has more than 370,000 followers on Instagram, swiftly posted an apology for what she called "my mistake", met with Israeli diplomats, and offered a tearful onstage apology. Now she says she may join them in conducting seminars on Holocaust education in Thai schools. In the meantime, she is researching Nazi history on her own. "It was a bad experience," she said. But it also presented an "opportunity" to learn, she added, citing a visit to the Holocaust memorial at the UN in Bangkok also attended by other band members. Selfies and shirts While Hitler's forces carried out atrocities in Europe, his Japanese allies led a scorched-earth campaign across Asia during World War II. As a result, Japanese wartime actions are the more immediate prism through which many view the region's history. The Holocaust is covered in high school textbooks in Thailand but it's "a small portion" of the world history sections, said Chalermchai Phanlert, an academic at the Education Ministry. That means less emphasis on Nazis and their impact on Europe. Derived from Sanskrit and with roots in India, the swastika is a commonly displayed motif in Hindu temples across Asia. But Chalermchai said younger Thais do not fully understand the swastika's European context or Nazi history in general. Instead, Third Reich symbols are used to sell fashion and anti-establishment culture. In September a love motel outside Bangkok sparked outcry after photos online showed a portrait of Hitler hanging in one of its themed rooms. Red-and-white swastika badges, stamps, flags and other Nazi-themed trinkets are on sale at Bangkok's popular Chatuchak weekend market, while a vendor on tourist hub Khaosan Road hawks t-shirts of a naked Hitler enjoying a beach holiday. Enthusiasm for Nazi iconography and portrayals of Hitler have earned rebukes in other Southeast Asian countries. In 2017 an Indonesian museum that allowed visitors to take selfies with a wax sculpture of Hitler removed the exhibit following global condemnation. But awareness of the offence caused is growing. In Myanmar's biggest city Yangon shopkeeper Ko Ko Aung said he used to be part of the punk scene where clothes with swastikas were part of a spirit of rebellion. Now he says he understands that "punk and Hitler are not connected". 'Nazi chic' It is both "inaccurate and unhelpful" to draw a link between a vogue for Nazi chic and anti-Semitism, says Elliot Brennan of the Institute for Security and Development Policy in Stockholm. "That is not to say that anti-Semitism does not exist in Asia but one could argue these are led more by anti-Israel positions than anti-Semitism," he said. Thai history lecturer Tul Israngura Na Ayudhya said the fascination with Hitler has to be seen in context, adding that a lack of education is only part of the story. Many countries in Asia have a complex relationship with strongmen generals and leaders who are sometimes wrongly applauded as nationalist modernisers. He cited Mao Zedong, a figure whose policies cost countless lives but who has been the subject of nostalgia in some quarters of late. And so Hitler is not necessarily "associated with the devil" by everyone in the region. Tul teaches one of the few university courses devoted to Nazi Germany in Thailand at Chulalongkorn University, where his syllabus begins with Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel's memoir "Night". One of his students, German major Thanapon Danpakdee, laments the carefree approach to Nazi symbols in Thailand, even when it is not meant to offend. "I think they ignore the other side," he said.

Swastikas and statues: Southeast Asia's fixation with Nazi iconography

Germany is still making payments to more than 2,000 people worldwide under a law that provides for "war victims", including those who collaborated with the World War II Nazi regime.

Official data from the Labour Ministry showed that 2,033 people benefited from such payments in February.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/merkel-says-germany-takes-responsibilty-for-nazi-crimes-in-greece-189590">Merkel says Germany takes responsibility for Nazi crimes in Greece</a>

Under the definition of the law, beneficiaries include individuals who suffered health problems from military or related service or internment because of their German citizenship or ethnicity during World War II.

Most of the beneficiaries live in Europe, with the highest number in Poland, where 573 are still receiving payments.

Other European countries with significant numbers of beneficiaries include Austria with 101, Slovenia with 184 and Croatia with 71.

In the Americas, 250 beneficiaries live in the US while 121 are in Canada.

Such payments came under scrutiny after Belgian lawmakers demanded that they be withdrawn for a handful of residents there.

Paying pensions for "collaboration in one of the most murderous regimes in history is in contradiction with collective remembrance" and against the values of the European Union, said the lawmakers, in a legislative text adopted on Tuesday.

To qualify for the payment, the individual must be able to prove an injury arising from WWII. He or she must not have been convicted of war crimes.

The law first came into force in 1950.

But after it emerged that some former Waffen SS troops were also drawing benefits, an amendment was passed in 1998 blocking individuals who have committed crimes against humanity from receiving it.

Since 2008, however, individual German states which are responsible for making the payments are allowed to withdraw them. 
&nbsp;

Germany is still making payments to more than 2,000 people worldwide under a law that provides for "war victims", including those who collaborated with the World War II Nazi regime.

Germany is still making payments to more than 2,000 people worldwide under a law that provides for "war victims", including those who collaborated with the World War II Nazi regime. Official data from the Labour Ministry showed that 2,033 people benefited from such payments in February. Also read: Merkel says Germany takes responsibility for Nazi crimes in Greece Under the definition of the law, beneficiaries include individuals who suffered health problems from military or related service or internment because of their German citizenship or ethnicity during World War II. Most of the beneficiaries live in Europe, with the highest number in Poland, where 573 are still receiving payments. Other European countries with significant numbers of beneficiaries include Austria with 101, Slovenia with 184 and Croatia with 71. In the Americas, 250 beneficiaries live in the US while 121 are in Canada. Such payments came under scrutiny after Belgian lawmakers demanded that they be withdrawn for a handful of residents there. Paying pensions for "collaboration in one of the most murderous regimes in history is in contradiction with collective remembrance" and against the values of the European Union, said the lawmakers, in a legislative text adopted on Tuesday. To qualify for the payment, the individual must be able to prove an injury arising from WWII. He or she must not have been convicted of war crimes. The law first came into force in 1950. But after it emerged that some former Waffen SS troops were also drawing benefits, an amendment was passed in 1998 blocking individuals who have committed crimes against humanity from receiving it. Since 2008, however, individual German states which are responsible for making the payments are allowed to withdraw them.

Germany making disputed Nazi war payments to over 2,000 people

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki insisted Sunday that the question of Polish compensation for Jewish assets stolen by the Nazi was "definitively resolved", rebuffing a US call for further action.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who visited Poland last week, called on Warsaw to move forward with legislation to help "those who lost property during the Holocaust era".

But Morawiecki told the PAP news agency Sunday: "The question of restitution of assets to US citizens of Jewish origin has been definitively resolved.

"A law of compensation, signed with the United States settles the question, and frees Poland from these responsibilities," he said. The compensation law to which he was referring was passed in 1960.

"I want to underline that: This subject does not exist," he added.

The claims for compensation were based on a fundamental misunderstanding, he said. "Poland was the victim and not the executioner," he argued.

And Germany had never compensated Poland "for losses inflicted by the Third Reich's criminal policies", he added.

Morawiecki estimated Poland's losses at around $700 billion, and the government has not ruled out presenting Berlin with a request for payment.

Since the fall of communism in 1989, Poland has never managed to completely draw a line under the restitution question. Several bills drafted to deal with the issue failed to win the approval of lawmakers.

In Washington meanwhile, a new US law aimed at helping Holocaust survivors and families obtain compensation awaits signing by US President Donald Trump.

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki insisted Sunday that the question of Polish compensation for Jewish assets stolen by the Nazi was "definitively resolved", rebuffing a US call for further action.

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki insisted Sunday that the question of Polish compensation for Jewish assets stolen by the Nazi was "definitively resolved", rebuffing a US call for further action. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who visited Poland last week, called on Warsaw to move forward with legislation to help "those who lost property during the Holocaust era". But Morawiecki told the PAP news agency Sunday: "The question of restitution of assets to US citizens of Jewish origin has been definitively resolved. "A law of compensation, signed with the United States settles the question, and frees Poland from these responsibilities," he said. The compensation law to which he was referring was passed in 1960. "I want to underline that: This subject does not exist," he added. The claims for compensation were based on a fundamental misunderstanding, he said. "Poland was the victim and not the executioner," he argued. And Germany had never compensated Poland "for losses inflicted by the Third Reich's criminal policies", he added. Morawiecki estimated Poland's losses at around $700 billion, and the government has not ruled out presenting Berlin with a request for payment. Since the fall of communism in 1989, Poland has never managed to completely draw a line under the restitution question. Several bills drafted to deal with the issue failed to win the approval of lawmakers. In Washington meanwhile, a new US law aimed at helping Holocaust survivors and families obtain compensation awaits signing by US President Donald Trump.

Polish PM Mateusz Morawiecki says Jewish compensation issue 'resolved'

Hitler's watercolours with 'no artistic value' up for auction, German Police suspect forgeries

Tanks and air defence missile systems rolled through the heart of Saint Petersburg on Sunday as the city formerly known as Leningrad marked the 75th anniversary of the end of a World War II siege that claimed more than 800,000 lives.

The parade in Russia's second city was the first time war-era and modern heavy weaponry, including the famed T-34 battle tank and multiple-launch rocket systems, have trundled past the Hermitage Museum to mark the end of the siege of Leningrad, sparking controversy with some survivors criticising "militarism".

President Vladimir Putin, a native of Saint Petersburg, skipped the show of force in the snow-covered Palace Square, although his itinerary included a visit to a memorial cemetery and several other events.

More than 2,500 servicemen in modern and period uniforms including sheepskin coats and felt boots took part in the parade which also included a flyover of military aircraft.

Hundreds of spectators watched the performance in falling snow and temperatures of minus 11 degrees Celsius (12 Fahrenheit), some wrapped in blankets against the cold.

A moment of silence was observed to the ticking of a metronome used to warn residents about air-raids during the siege. Some clutched flowers and could not hold back tears.

'We have to remember'&nbsp;

"This is a celebration for the city and the country," said Ivan Kolokoltsev, a 45-year-old manager.&nbsp;

"We have to remember, we have to commemorate it so that people remember."

Natalya Gerashchenko brought her 12-year-old son to see the military display.&nbsp;

"A military parade is very beautiful," the 35-year-old said. "The lifting of the siege is very important for everyone."

Encircled by the Nazi troops for 872 days between 1941 and 1944, the city of around 3 million people went through unspeakable horrors.&nbsp;

With supplies to the city cut, bread rations plunged to 250 grams (about half a pound) for manual workers and 125 grammes for other civilians.

More than 800,000 people starved to death or died of disease and shelling. Numerous historians say the true figures are higher

Many in Saint Petersburg, including some siege survivors, have denounced the parade as misplaced sabre-rattling and militaristic propaganda.

"I am against militarism," Yakov Gilinsky, an 84-year-old siege survivor, told AFP ahead of the parade. "War is horrible."

Some said that the money spent on the parade should have been given to survivors instead.&nbsp;

"Old people would buy some medicine and new clothes and for a time forget they have to count pennies," wrote political observer Anton Orekh.&nbsp;

"Though after the siege they are not afraid of anything, of course."

Irina Sadchikova, a 47-year-old librarian, said that the authorities were often so focused on official events they forgot about siege survivors and war veterans.&nbsp;

A defence ministry official has insisted the event was not celebratory in nature, describing it as a "soldierly ritual".

'Important date for Russians'&nbsp;

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the day was important "for all Russians and personally for President Putin."

Clutching red roses, Putin visited the famed Piskaryovskoe cemetery where groups of Russians wished him good health.

Putin, at 66, was born after the war. But his older brother died in childhood during the devastating siege and is buried in a mass grave at Piskaryovskoe.

The Russian leader's mother nearly succumbed to hunger, while his father fought in the war and was wounded near Leningrad.

Since Friday, the city has been holding a series of commemorative events that include music concerts and film screenings.

On Sunday evening, authorities will conduct a gun salute in memory of the gunfire that marked the end of the ordeal in 1944.

The trauma from the war is deeply ingrained in the collective psyche of the city.

Some buildings still carry signs warning residents about air raids.

Russia's former imperial capital is home to some 108,000 war veterans and siege survivors.

Tanks and air defence missile systems rolled through the heart of Saint Petersburg on Sunday as the city formerly known as Leningrad marked the 75th anniversary of the end of a World War II siege that claimed more than 800,000 lives.

Tanks and air defence missile systems rolled through the heart of Saint Petersburg on Sunday as the city formerly known as Leningrad marked the 75th anniversary of the end of a World War II siege that claimed more than 800,000 lives. The parade in Russia's second city was the first time war-era and modern heavy weaponry, including the famed T-34 battle tank and multiple-launch rocket systems, have trundled past the Hermitage Museum to mark the end of the siege of Leningrad, sparking controversy with some survivors criticising "militarism". President Vladimir Putin, a native of Saint Petersburg, skipped the show of force in the snow-covered Palace Square, although his itinerary included a visit to a memorial cemetery and several other events. More than 2,500 servicemen in modern and period uniforms including sheepskin coats and felt boots took part in the parade which also included a flyover of military aircraft. Hundreds of spectators watched the performance in falling snow and temperatures of minus 11 degrees Celsius (12 Fahrenheit), some wrapped in blankets against the cold. A moment of silence was observed to the ticking of a metronome used to warn residents about air-raids during the siege. Some clutched flowers and could not hold back tears. 'We have to remember' "This is a celebration for the city and the country," said Ivan Kolokoltsev, a 45-year-old manager. "We have to remember, we have to commemorate it so that people remember." Natalya Gerashchenko brought her 12-year-old son to see the military display. "A military parade is very beautiful," the 35-year-old said. "The lifting of the siege is very important for everyone." Encircled by the Nazi troops for 872 days between 1941 and 1944, the city of around 3 million people went through unspeakable horrors. With supplies to the city cut, bread rations plunged to 250 grams (about half a pound) for manual workers and 125 grammes for other civilians. More than 800,000 people starved to death or died of disease and shelling. Numerous historians say the true figures are higher Many in Saint Petersburg, including some siege survivors, have denounced the parade as misplaced sabre-rattling and militaristic propaganda. "I am against militarism," Yakov Gilinsky, an 84-year-old siege survivor, told AFP ahead of the parade. "War is horrible." Some said that the money spent on the parade should have been given to survivors instead. "Old people would buy some medicine and new clothes and for a time forget they have to count pennies," wrote political observer Anton Orekh. "Though after the siege they are not afraid of anything, of course." Irina Sadchikova, a 47-year-old librarian, said that the authorities were often so focused on official events they forgot about siege survivors and war veterans. A defence ministry official has insisted the event was not celebratory in nature, describing it as a "soldierly ritual". 'Important date for Russians' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the day was important "for all Russians and personally for President Putin." Clutching red roses, Putin visited the famed Piskaryovskoe cemetery where groups of Russians wished him good health. Putin, at 66, was born after the war. But his older brother died in childhood during the devastating siege and is buried in a mass grave at Piskaryovskoe. The Russian leader's mother nearly succumbed to hunger, while his father fought in the war and was wounded near Leningrad. Since Friday, the city has been holding a series of commemorative events that include music concerts and film screenings. On Sunday evening, authorities will conduct a gun salute in memory of the gunfire that marked the end of the ordeal in 1944. The trauma from the war is deeply ingrained in the collective psyche of the city. Some buildings still carry signs warning residents about air raids. Russia's former imperial capital is home to some 108,000 war veterans and siege survivors.

Russia marks end of Leningrad siege with military parade

British lawmakers called on the police on Tuesday to do more to tackle intimidation of politicians and journalists outside parliament after protesters shouted verbal abuse at a prominent pro-EU Conservative during live television interviews.

More than 2-1/2 years since Britain voted by 52 to 48 per cent to leave the European Union, the country remains deeply divided and both pro-Brexit and pro-EU protesters are a regular fixture in the gardens opposite parliament.

Some campaigners wrap themselves in huge EU flags while others hold banners on long poles so they can be seen in the background of temporary broadcast studios on raised platforms.&nbsp;

The area, a public space, is regularly used by media for interviews and while protests have been largely peaceful, politicians and journalists have complained the atmosphere has turned increasingly nasty in recent weeks.

On Monday, Conservative lawmaker Anna Soubry, who has called for a second referendum on Brexit, faced chants of "Soubry is a Nazi" and "liar" as she was interviewed. 
"I do object to being called a Nazi," Soubry interrupted the interview to say. "I just think this is astonishing. This is what has happened to our country."

The abuse continued as Soubry walked back across the road to parliament after the interview, with mobile phone footage shared on Twitter showing her surrounded by men, some sporting the yellow vests similar to those worn by protesters in Paris, shouting "liar", "fascist" and "scum" at her.

Sky News journalist Kay Burley, one of the broadcasters whose interview with Soubry was overshadowed by the protests, has also faced abuse and says she now has security protection.

In a letter to the Commissioner of London`s Metropolitan Police, Cressida Dick, a group of 60 lawmakers said they were concerned about the "deteriorating public order and security situation" around parliament.

"An ugly element of individuals with strong far right and extreme right connections ... have increasingly engaged in intimidatory and potentially criminal acts," the lawmakers, both pro-EU and pro-Brexit and from all political parties, wrote.

House of Commons Speaker John Bercow said he too has written to police on the issue.

"UNLEASHING SUCH UGLINESS"

Laurence Taylor, Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Met Operations, said there was an "appropriate policing plan in place" around parliament and police were assessing whether any crimes had been committed.

"We will deal robustly with incidents of harassment and abuse against anyone where that harassment or abuse constitutes a criminal offence," he said in a statement.&nbsp;

Labour lawmaker Stephen Doughty, who organised the letter, told BBC TV that there could be a repeat of the murder of Labour lawmaker Jo Cox, killed in a frenzied street attack a week before the 2016 Brexit vote by a man obsessed with Nazis and extreme right-wing ideology.

Last year, a man accused of being a member of a far-right group pleaded guilty to plotting to kill another female Labour lawmaker who, like Cox, was targeted because she was perceived as supporting immigration.&nbsp;

Abuse has taken place across the political divide, with left-wing author and Labour supporter Owen Jones also posting a video on Twitter of protesters shouting insults like "traitor" at him as he walked down the street outside parliament.

While many of those facing abuse have been supporters of remaining in the EU, pro-Brexit campaigners have also been targeted.

In September, Conservative lawmaker Jacob Rees-Mogg, a prominent campaigner for Brexit, was confronted outside his home by activists who told his children "your daddy is a horrible person" and "lots of people hate him".

British lawmakers called on the police on Tuesday to do more to tackle intimidation of politicians and journalists outside parliament after protesters shouted verbal abuse at a prominent pro-EU Conservative during live television interviews.

British lawmakers called on the police on Tuesday to do more to tackle intimidation of politicians and journalists outside parliament after protesters shouted verbal abuse at a prominent pro-EU Conservative during live television interviews. More than 2-1/2 years since Britain voted by 52 to 48 per cent to leave the European Union, the country remains deeply divided and both pro-Brexit and pro-EU protesters are a regular fixture in the gardens opposite parliament. Some campaigners wrap themselves in huge EU flags while others hold banners on long poles so they can be seen in the background of temporary broadcast studios on raised platforms. The area, a public space, is regularly used by media for interviews and while protests have been largely peaceful, politicians and journalists have complained the atmosphere has turned increasingly nasty in recent weeks. On Monday, Conservative lawmaker Anna Soubry, who has called for a second referendum on Brexit, faced chants of "Soubry is a Nazi" and "liar" as she was interviewed. "I do object to being called a Nazi," Soubry interrupted the interview to say. "I just think this is astonishing. This is what has happened to our country." The abuse continued as Soubry walked back across the road to parliament after the interview, with mobile phone footage shared on Twitter showing her surrounded by men, some sporting the yellow vests similar to those worn by protesters in Paris, shouting "liar", "fascist" and "scum" at her. Sky News journalist Kay Burley, one of the broadcasters whose interview with Soubry was overshadowed by the protests, has also faced abuse and says she now has security protection. In a letter to the Commissioner of London`s Metropolitan Police, Cressida Dick, a group of 60 lawmakers said they were concerned about the "deteriorating public order and security situation" around parliament. "An ugly element of individuals with strong far right and extreme right connections ... have increasingly engaged in intimidatory and potentially criminal acts," the lawmakers, both pro-EU and pro-Brexit and from all political parties, wrote. House of Commons Speaker John Bercow said he too has written to police on the issue. "UNLEASHING SUCH UGLINESS" Laurence Taylor, Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Met Operations, said there was an "appropriate policing plan in place" around parliament and police were assessing whether any crimes had been committed. "We will deal robustly with incidents of harassment and abuse against anyone where that harassment or abuse constitutes a criminal offence," he said in a statement. Labour lawmaker Stephen Doughty, who organised the letter, told BBC TV that there could be a repeat of the murder of Labour lawmaker Jo Cox, killed in a frenzied street attack a week before the 2016 Brexit vote by a man obsessed with Nazis and extreme right-wing ideology. Last year, a man accused of being a member of a far-right group pleaded guilty to plotting to kill another female Labour lawmaker who, like Cox, was targeted because she was perceived as supporting immigration. Abuse has taken place across the political divide, with left-wing author and Labour supporter Owen Jones also posting a video on Twitter of protesters shouting insults like "traitor" at him as he walked down the street outside parliament. While many of those facing abuse have been supporters of remaining in the EU, pro-Brexit campaigners have also been targeted. In September, Conservative lawmaker Jacob Rees-Mogg, a prominent campaigner for Brexit, was confronted outside his home by activists who told his children "your daddy is a horrible person" and "lots of people hate him".

Facing chants of 'Nazi' and 'scum', UK lawmakers ask police to act over Brexit abuse

A theatre group in Germany will be proceeding with a satirical play on Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and has asked all its guests to wear swastikas to watch the play.&nbsp;

The southern Germany theatre group will stage a play about Hitler's youth wherein some patrons will sport swastika armbands.

The Konstanz Theatre's production will enact an adaption of George Tabori's world-renowned "Mein Kampf". The play will run for a month starting today, on the day of Hitler's 129th birth anniversary.

The play, named after Hitler's infamous anti-Semitic manifesto, tells a fictional story about Hitler's friendship with a Jewish man who put&nbsp;him on his political path.

Patrons who will wear a swastika armband will be given free admittance to the play. The ones who will buy the tickets will be asked to wear a Jewish Star of David.

The experiment, according to theatre manager Christoph Nix, will bring to light and initiate a dialogue over issues like corruption and racism. 
&nbsp;

The Konstanz Theatre's production will enact an adaption of George Tabori's world-renowned 'Mein Kampf'

A theatre group in Germany will be proceeding with a satirical play on Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and has asked all its guests to wear swastikas to watch the play. The southern Germany theatre group will stage a play about Hitler's youth wherein some patrons will sport swastika armbands. The Konstanz Theatre's production will enact an adaption of George Tabori's world-renowned "Mein Kampf". The play will run for a month starting today, on the day of Hitler's 129th birth anniversary. The play, named after Hitler's infamous anti-Semitic manifesto, tells a fictional story about Hitler's friendship with a Jewish man who put him on his political path. Patrons who will wear a swastika armband will be given free admittance to the play. The ones who will buy the tickets will be asked to wear a Jewish Star of David. The experiment, according to theatre manager Christoph Nix, will bring to light and initiate a dialogue over issues like corruption and racism.

Wear swastikas to watch play on Adolf Hitler for free: German theatre tells patrons

Austria on Monday marks the 80th anniversary of its annexation by Nazi Germany, with the country&#39;s President Alexander Van der Bellen urging young people not to be &quot;taken in&quot; by neo-fascist and far-right ideologies.

On March 12, 1938, Adolf Hitler ordered 200,000 soldiers, SS officers and police to invade Austria, his native country, subsequently declaring its &quot;Anschluss&quot; or annexation by the Third Reich.&nbsp;

A &quot;Day of Commemoration&quot; will be held on Monday to mark the events of 1938 that changed the course of Austrian history and served as a prelude to World War II.&nbsp;Asked in an interview with the Kurier daily what future generations could learn from the Anschluss, van der Bellen replied: &quot;Not to be taken in.&quot;

People should not take &quot;peaceful cohabitation, co-determination and stable political conditions for granted,&quot; he warned. &quot;These things can change.&quot;&nbsp;

Van der Bellen -- a former leader of the environmentalist Greens who in late 2016 beat an anti-immigration candidate in a polarising and nail-biting presidential election -- said minorities enjoy better protection today.&nbsp;

&quot;They can&#39;t be outlawed at the stroke of a pen as they could then by a majority. If that weren&#39;t the case, the state could be immediately turned into a tyranny of the majority, as happened back then.&quot;&nbsp;

Van der Bellen has repeatedly called for vigilance and for tolerance since a coalition government took power in December, headed by the 31-year-old conservative Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, with the leader of the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe), Heinz-Christian Strache, as his deputy.&nbsp;

The FPOe, which counts former Nazis among its founders, is the oldest of the major right-wing nationalist and anti-immigration groupings currently on the rise in the European Union.

FPOe politicians have repeatedly rejected neo-Nazism, racism and anti-Semitism since the party joined the ruling coalition.&nbsp;The party has also expressed its gratitude to &quot;the Republic of Austria, democracy, parliamentarism and the rule of law&quot;.

But the FPOe&#39;s position regarding the status of the Austrian state has long been ambiguous, with a strong current within the party -- particularly among student fraternities -- viewing Austria as part of a wider pan-German or &quot;Greater German&quot; identity.&nbsp;

Appearing on Austrian television alongside other leading politicians for the Anschluss commemorations, Strache said it was everyone&#39;s individual responsibility to remember &quot;the National Socialist (Nazi) terror regime that murdered people on a large scale because of their religion, their origin and their political opinions.&quot;&nbsp;

 
But since it joined the ruling coalition, the FPOe has found itself embroiled in a string of embarrassing controversies regarding its relationship to Austria&#39;s history.&nbsp;In January, for example, a leading FPOe candidate in regional elections quit the party because of a scandal over song lyrics praising the Holocaust.&nbsp;

While Strache has been keen to clean up his party&#39;s image, other incidents have tarnished it, such as one FPOe member of parliament who declared in 2006 on television that &quot;National Socialism also had its good sides&quot;.&nbsp;Many events marking the Anchluss anniversary feature eyewitnesses of the time, while public debates will focus on the responsibility of Austria and everyday Austrians in Hitler&#39;s seizure of power.&nbsp;

Talking about such issues in public was almost unheard of until the late 1980s, as Austria preferred to hide behind the status of Nazi victim that the Allies had officially conferred on it.&nbsp;Such denial has prevented Austria from embarking on the very painful &quot;Vergangenheitsbewaeltigung&quot; or self-examination and coming to terms with the past that Germany has undertaken.

Austrian conservatives began paving the way for Nazism as early as 1933 when they put an end to parliamentary democracy, then crushed the Social Democrats in 1934 and set up a one-party regime.&nbsp;In a country in the throes of an identity crisis following the disintegration of the Austro-Hungarian empire, and in full economic slump, anti-Semitism flourished as early as the 1920s.

&quot;Everything had already long been ready by the time the Nazis arrived,&quot; Kitty Suschny -- who was just 13 in 1938 -- told a conference, recalling that a ban on &quot;dogs and Jews&quot; was imposed overnight in the grounds of Vienna&#39;s Schoenbrunn Palace.&nbsp;

The persecution of Jews began in the early hours of the Anschluss.&nbsp;And on March 15, a euphoric crowd greeted Hitler in Vienna.&nbsp;An artistic installation will be unveiled Monday at the site where the dictator made his first speech after the annexation of the country.

On Wednesday, Chancellor Kurz will ask his cabinet to approve a proposal for a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust to be erected in the centre of Vienna.&nbsp;

On March 12, 1938, Adolf Hitler ordered 200,000 soldiers, SS officers and police to invade Austria, his native country, subsequently declaring its "Anschluss" or annexation by the Third Reich.

Austria on Monday marks the 80th anniversary of its annexation by Nazi Germany, with the country's President Alexander Van der Bellen urging young people not to be "taken in" by neo-fascist and far-right ideologies. On March 12, 1938, Adolf Hitler ordered 200,000 soldiers, SS officers and police to invade Austria, his native country, subsequently declaring its "Anschluss" or annexation by the Third Reich. A "Day of Commemoration" will be held on Monday to mark the events of 1938 that changed the course of Austrian history and served as a prelude to World War II. Asked in an interview with the Kurier daily what future generations could learn from the Anschluss, van der Bellen replied: "Not to be taken in." People should not take "peaceful cohabitation, co-determination and stable political conditions for granted," he warned. "These things can change." Van der Bellen -- a former leader of the environmentalist Greens who in late 2016 beat an anti-immigration candidate in a polarising and nail-biting presidential election -- said minorities enjoy better protection today. "They can't be outlawed at the stroke of a pen as they could then by a majority. If that weren't the case, the state could be immediately turned into a tyranny of the majority, as happened back then." Van der Bellen has repeatedly called for vigilance and for tolerance since a coalition government took power in December, headed by the 31-year-old conservative Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, with the leader of the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe), Heinz-Christian Strache, as his deputy. The FPOe, which counts former Nazis among its founders, is the oldest of the major right-wing nationalist and anti-immigration groupings currently on the rise in the European Union. FPOe politicians have repeatedly rejected neo-Nazism, racism and anti-Semitism since the party joined the ruling coalition. The party has also expressed its gratitude to "the Republic of Austria, democracy, parliamentarism and the rule of law". But the FPOe's position regarding the status of the Austrian state has long been ambiguous, with a strong current within the party -- particularly among student fraternities -- viewing Austria as part of a wider pan-German or "Greater German" identity. Appearing on Austrian television alongside other leading politicians for the Anschluss commemorations, Strache said it was everyone's individual responsibility to remember "the National Socialist (Nazi) terror regime that murdered people on a large scale because of their religion, their origin and their political opinions." But since it joined the ruling coalition, the FPOe has found itself embroiled in a string of embarrassing controversies regarding its relationship to Austria's history. In January, for example, a leading FPOe candidate in regional elections quit the party because of a scandal over song lyrics praising the Holocaust. While Strache has been keen to clean up his party's image, other incidents have tarnished it, such as one FPOe member of parliament who declared in 2006 on television that "National Socialism also had its good sides". Many events marking the Anchluss anniversary feature eyewitnesses of the time, while public debates will focus on the responsibility of Austria and everyday Austrians in Hitler's seizure of power. Talking about such issues in public was almost unheard of until the late 1980s, as Austria preferred to hide behind the status of Nazi victim that the Allies had officially conferred on it. Such denial has prevented Austria from embarking on the very painful "Vergangenheitsbewaeltigung" or self-examination and coming to terms with the past that Germany has undertaken. Austrian conservatives began paving the way for Nazism as early as 1933 when they put an end to parliamentary democracy, then crushed the Social Democrats in 1934 and set up a one-party regime. In a country in the throes of an identity crisis following the disintegration of the Austro-Hungarian empire, and in full economic slump, anti-Semitism flourished as early as the 1920s. "Everything had already long been ready by the time the Nazis arrived," Kitty Suschny -- who was just 13 in 1938 -- told a conference, recalling that a ban on "dogs and Jews" was imposed overnight in the grounds of Vienna's Schoenbrunn Palace. The persecution of Jews began in the early hours of the Anschluss. And on March 15, a euphoric crowd greeted Hitler in Vienna. An artistic installation will be unveiled Monday at the site where the dictator made his first speech after the annexation of the country. On Wednesday, Chancellor Kurz will ask his cabinet to approve a proposal for a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust to be erected in the centre of Vienna.

'Don't get taken in', says Austrian President on 80th anniversary of annexation by Nazi Germany

Poland`s president on Sunday promised to review a new bill regarding the Holocaust and the definition of Nazi death camps, after the measure sparked a diplomatic row with Israel.

Poland`s rightwing-dominated parliament on Friday adopted legislation that sets fines or a maximum three-year jail term for anyone who refers to Nazi German death camps as being Polish.&nbsp;

The measure, intended to apply to both Poles and foreigners, must still pass the Polish Senate before being signed by President Andrzej Duda.

In a statement on Sunday, Duda said he would present his &quot;final evaluation of procedural legal provisions after the completion of parliament`s work and a careful analysis of the final shape of the act&quot;.

The bill includes an article that applies a fine or a jail term to anyone who ascribes &quot;responsibility or co-responsibility to the Polish nation or state for crimes committed by the German Third Reich -- or other crimes against humanity, peace and war crimes&quot;.

Israel`s ambassador to Poland Anna Azari told the Polish PAP news agency that Israel believes the latter article could open the door to Holocaust survivors being prosecuted for their testimony should it concern the involvement of Poles in war crimes.

Azari said that while Israel`s government rejects the legislation, it also &quot;understands&quot; who built death camps like Auschwitz and that it was &quot;not the Poles&quot;.

A top Duda aide is due to meet with Azari on Monday in Warsaw. Israel`s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Poland of seeking to deny history with the bill.

&quot;We have no tolerance for the distortion of the truth and rewriting history or denying the Holocaust,&quot; he said on Sunday.&nbsp;

The Israeli leader later spoke with his Polish counterpart Mateusz Morawiecki on the phone and the pair agreed to &quot;immediately open a dialogue&quot; to reach an understanding about the legislation, Netanyahu`s office said.&nbsp;

The call came hours after Israel summoned a top Polish diplomat to ask for clarification about the bill.

The Israeli foreign ministry said the timing of the legislation, which was adopted by parliament the day before Holocaust Memorial Day, was &quot;particularly surprising and regrettable&quot;.&nbsp;

Duda earlier appeared to address Israel`s concerns by saying that &quot;everyone whose personal memory or historical research speaks the truth about the crimes and shameful behaviour that occurred in the past with the participation of Poles has full right to this truth&quot;.

Polish officials routinely request corrections when global media or politicians describe as &quot;Polish&quot; the former death camps such as Auschwitz set up by Nazi Germany in occupied Poland.Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem, said it opposed the new legislation, but also noted there was &quot;no doubt that the term `Polish death camps` is a historical misrepresentation&quot;.

&quot;However, restrictions on statements by scholars and others regarding the direct or indirect complicity of Polish people with the crimes committed on their land during the Holocaust are a serious distortion,&quot; it said.

Pre-war Poland was a Jewish heartland, with a centuries-old community numbering some 3.2 million, around 10 percent of the country`s population.

When the country was occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II, it lost six million of its citizens -- including three million Jews in the Holocaust.&nbsp;

Polish Prime Minister Morawiecki reacted via Twitter on Sunday with a metaphor referring to the fate of his country`s Jewish and non-Jewish citizens during the war.

&quot;A gang of professional thugs enters a two-family house. They kill the first family almost entirely. They kill the parents of the second, torturing the kids. They loot and raze the house. Could one, in good conscience, say that the second family is guilty for the murder of the first?,&quot; he asked.

After attending Saturday`s ceremonies in Auschwitz to mark the 73rd anniversary of its liberation Morawiecki, a trained historian, also remarked that &quot;Auschwitz-Birkenau is not a Polish name, and Arbeit Macht Frei is not a Polish phrase&quot;.

He was referring to the words on the Nazi camp`s infamous wrought-iron gate that mean &quot;Work makes you free&quot; in German.

Poland`s rightwing-dominated parliament on Friday adopted legislation that sets fines or a maximum three-year jail term for anyone who refers to Nazi German death camps as being Polish

Poland`s president on Sunday promised to review a new bill regarding the Holocaust and the definition of Nazi death camps, after the measure sparked a diplomatic row with Israel. Poland`s rightwing-dominated parliament on Friday adopted legislation that sets fines or a maximum three-year jail term for anyone who refers to Nazi German death camps as being Polish. The measure, intended to apply to both Poles and foreigners, must still pass the Polish Senate before being signed by President Andrzej Duda. In a statement on Sunday, Duda said he would present his "final evaluation of procedural legal provisions after the completion of parliament`s work and a careful analysis of the final shape of the act". The bill includes an article that applies a fine or a jail term to anyone who ascribes "responsibility or co-responsibility to the Polish nation or state for crimes committed by the German Third Reich -- or other crimes against humanity, peace and war crimes". Israel`s ambassador to Poland Anna Azari told the Polish PAP news agency that Israel believes the latter article could open the door to Holocaust survivors being prosecuted for their testimony should it concern the involvement of Poles in war crimes. Azari said that while Israel`s government rejects the legislation, it also "understands" who built death camps like Auschwitz and that it was "not the Poles". A top Duda aide is due to meet with Azari on Monday in Warsaw. Israel`s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Poland of seeking to deny history with the bill. "We have no tolerance for the distortion of the truth and rewriting history or denying the Holocaust," he said on Sunday. The Israeli leader later spoke with his Polish counterpart Mateusz Morawiecki on the phone and the pair agreed to "immediately open a dialogue" to reach an understanding about the legislation, Netanyahu`s office said. The call came hours after Israel summoned a top Polish diplomat to ask for clarification about the bill. The Israeli foreign ministry said the timing of the legislation, which was adopted by parliament the day before Holocaust Memorial Day, was "particularly surprising and regrettable". Duda earlier appeared to address Israel`s concerns by saying that "everyone whose personal memory or historical research speaks the truth about the crimes and shameful behaviour that occurred in the past with the participation of Poles has full right to this truth". Polish officials routinely request corrections when global media or politicians describe as "Polish" the former death camps such as Auschwitz set up by Nazi Germany in occupied Poland.Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem, said it opposed the new legislation, but also noted there was "no doubt that the term `Polish death camps` is a historical misrepresentation". "However, restrictions on statements by scholars and others regarding the direct or indirect complicity of Polish people with the crimes committed on their land during the Holocaust are a serious distortion," it said. Pre-war Poland was a Jewish heartland, with a centuries-old community numbering some 3.2 million, around 10 percent of the country`s population. When the country was occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II, it lost six million of its citizens -- including three million Jews in the Holocaust. Polish Prime Minister Morawiecki reacted via Twitter on Sunday with a metaphor referring to the fate of his country`s Jewish and non-Jewish citizens during the war. "A gang of professional thugs enters a two-family house. They kill the first family almost entirely. They kill the parents of the second, torturing the kids. They loot and raze the house. Could one, in good conscience, say that the second family is guilty for the murder of the first?," he asked. After attending Saturday`s ceremonies in Auschwitz to mark the 73rd anniversary of its liberation Morawiecki, a trained historian, also remarked that "Auschwitz-Birkenau is not a Polish name, and Arbeit Macht Frei is not a Polish phrase". He was referring to the words on the Nazi camp`s infamous wrought-iron gate that mean "Work makes you free" in German.

Poland president to review Holocaust bill after Israeli concern

Germany angrily warned Turkey on Sunday that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had gone too far after he accused Chancellor Angela Merkel of using &quot;Nazi measures&quot; in an escalating diplomatic feud.

Turkey and the European Union are locked in an explosive crisis that threatens to jeopardise Ankara&#39;s bid to join the bloc, as tensions rise ahead of an April 16 referendum on expanding Erdogan&#39;s powers.

The row erupted after authorities in Germany and other EU states refused to allow some Turkish ministers to campaign for a &#39;yes&#39; vote on their soil, provoking a volcanic response from the Turkish strongman who said the spirit of Nazi Germany was rampant in Europe.

&quot;When we call them Nazis they (Europe) get uncomfortable. They rally together in solidarity. Especially Merkel,&quot; Erdogan said in a televised speech on Sunday.

&quot;But you are right now employing Nazi measures,&quot; Erdogan said referring to Merkel, pointedly using the informal &quot;you&quot; in Turkish.

&quot;Against who? My Turkish brother citizens in Germany and brother ministers&quot; who planned to hold campaign rallies for a &#39;yes&#39; vote in the referendum, he said.

Germany&#39;s Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel branded Erdogan&#39;s comments &quot;shocking&quot;.

&quot;We are tolerant but we&#39;re not stupid,&quot; he told the Passauer Neue Presse newspaper. &quot;That&#39;s why I have let my Turkish counterpart know very clearly that a boundary has been crossed here.&quot;

Julia Kloeckner, the vice-president of Merkel&#39;s CDU party, also reacted angrily to the comments.

&quot;Has Mr. Erdogan lost his mind?&quot; she said, telling journalists she was urging the EU to freeze &quot;financial aid amounting to billions of euros&quot; to Turkey. Home to 1.4 million Turkish voters, Germany hosts the world`s largest Turkish diaspora but the partnership between NATO allies Ankara and Berlin has been ripped to shreds by the current crisis.

Turkey reacted furiously to a Frankfurt rally on Saturday urging a &#39;no&#39; vote where protesters brandished insignia of outlawed Kurdish rebels, accusing Germany of double standards.

&quot;Yesterday (Saturday), Germany put its name under another scandal,&quot; presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin told CNN-Turk. He said the German ambassador had been summoned although this was not confirmed by Berlin.

The Turkish foreign ministry accused the German authorities &quot;of the worst example of double standards&quot; for allowing the pro-Kurdish protest while preventing Turkish ministers from campaigning there.

Many protesters carried symbols of the Kurdistan Workers&#39; Party (PKK), listed as a terror organisation not just by Turkey but also the EU and the United States.

(AFP)

The row erupted after authorities in Germany and other EU states refused to allow some Turkish ministers to campaign for a 'yes' vote

Germany angrily warned Turkey on Sunday that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had gone too far after he accused Chancellor Angela Merkel of using "Nazi measures" in an escalating diplomatic feud. Turkey and the European Union are locked in an explosive crisis that threatens to jeopardise Ankara's bid to join the bloc, as tensions rise ahead of an April 16 referendum on expanding Erdogan's powers. The row erupted after authorities in Germany and other EU states refused to allow some Turkish ministers to campaign for a 'yes' vote on their soil, provoking a volcanic response from the Turkish strongman who said the spirit of Nazi Germany was rampant in Europe. "When we call them Nazis they (Europe) get uncomfortable. They rally together in solidarity. Especially Merkel," Erdogan said in a televised speech on Sunday. "But you are right now employing Nazi measures," Erdogan said referring to Merkel, pointedly using the informal "you" in Turkish. "Against who? My Turkish brother citizens in Germany and brother ministers" who planned to hold campaign rallies for a 'yes' vote in the referendum, he said. Germany's Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel branded Erdogan's comments "shocking". "We are tolerant but we're not stupid," he told the Passauer Neue Presse newspaper. "That's why I have let my Turkish counterpart know very clearly that a boundary has been crossed here." Julia Kloeckner, the vice-president of Merkel's CDU party, also reacted angrily to the comments. "Has Mr. Erdogan lost his mind?" she said, telling journalists she was urging the EU to freeze "financial aid amounting to billions of euros" to Turkey. Home to 1.4 million Turkish voters, Germany hosts the world`s largest Turkish diaspora but the partnership between NATO allies Ankara and Berlin has been ripped to shreds by the current crisis. Turkey reacted furiously to a Frankfurt rally on Saturday urging a 'no' vote where protesters brandished insignia of outlawed Kurdish rebels, accusing Germany of double standards. "Yesterday (Saturday), Germany put its name under another scandal," presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin told CNN-Turk. He said the German ambassador had been summoned although this was not confirmed by Berlin. The Turkish foreign ministry accused the German authorities "of the worst example of double standards" for allowing the pro-Kurdish protest while preventing Turkish ministers from campaigning there. Many protesters carried symbols of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), listed as a terror organisation not just by Turkey but also the EU and the United States. (AFP)

Germany fumes over Erdogan's Nazi jibe against Merkel

Israel&#39;s Supreme Court has ruled that Franz Kafka&#39;s manuscripts are the property of the National Library of Israel, ending a lengthy legal battle, judicial sources said in Monday. 
 
The nation&#39;s top court on Sunday rejected an appeal by the heirs of Max Brod, a friend of Kafka and the executor of his estate to whom he had willed his manuscripts after his death in 1924. 
 
Kafka had instructed Brod to burn the manuscripts after his death but his friend did not honour that request and took them with him when he fled the Nazi invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1939 and emigrated to Palestine. 
 
On his death in 1968, Brod bequeathed the papers to his secretary Esther Hoffe, with instructions to give them to the &quot;Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the municipal library in Tel Aviv or another organisation in Israel or abroad.&quot; 
 
But Hoffe, who died in 2007, instead kept them and shared them between her two daughters -- sparking multiple legal battles. 
 
In the trial against Hoffe&#39;s heirs, which began in 2009, the state of Israel demanded they hand over all the documents, which included unpublished writings, arguing it was Brod&#39;s last will. 
 
Hoffe&#39;s daughters refused, however, saying the papers -- estimated to be worth millions of dollars -- had been given to their mother by Brod and therefore she could dispose of them any way she wanted. 
 
 
 
Hoffe had during her lifetime sold the original manuscript of &quot;The Trial&quot; -- considered by some to be one of Kafka&#39;s best work -- for $2 million. 
 
The Hoffe family kept the bulk of the collection locked away in bank safety deposit boxes in Israel and Switzerland and over the years sold some papers to collectors. 
 
(AFP)

The top court rejected an appeal by the heirs of Max Brod, a friend of Kafka's whom he had willed his manuscripts to after his death in 1924

Israel's Supreme Court has ruled that Franz Kafka's manuscripts are the property of the National Library of Israel, ending a lengthy legal battle, judicial sources said in Monday. The nation's top court on Sunday rejected an appeal by the heirs of Max Brod, a friend of Kafka and the executor of his estate to whom he had willed his manuscripts after his death in 1924. Kafka had instructed Brod to burn the manuscripts after his death but his friend did not honour that request and took them with him when he fled the Nazi invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1939 and emigrated to Palestine. On his death in 1968, Brod bequeathed the papers to his secretary Esther Hoffe, with instructions to give them to the "Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the municipal library in Tel Aviv or another organisation in Israel or abroad." But Hoffe, who died in 2007, instead kept them and shared them between her two daughters -- sparking multiple legal battles. In the trial against Hoffe's heirs, which began in 2009, the state of Israel demanded they hand over all the documents, which included unpublished writings, arguing it was Brod's last will. Hoffe's daughters refused, however, saying the papers -- estimated to be worth millions of dollars -- had been given to their mother by Brod and therefore she could dispose of them any way she wanted. Hoffe had during her lifetime sold the original manuscript of "The Trial" -- considered by some to be one of Kafka's best work -- for $2 million. The Hoffe family kept the bulk of the collection locked away in bank safety deposit boxes in Israel and Switzerland and over the years sold some papers to collectors. (AFP)

Israeli Supreme Court says Kafka's manuscripts are property of National Library

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