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Right-Wing 'Seitenwechsel' Book Fair Opens in Halle as Protests Draw Hundreds

A large police deployment accompanies the 'Wir' counter‑festival organised by local civic groups.

Overview

  • Police estimated about 600 people joined a march toward the venue, with a brief sit‑down blockade and isolated minor offenses but no major incidents reported.
  • Authorities deployed several hundred officers and warned of traffic and transit disruptions near the Messegelände during registered counter‑demonstrations.
  • Organisers list roughly 100 exhibitors, including Antaios, which is classified by the Verfassungsschutz as “gesichert rechtsextrem,” with guests such as Hans‑Georg Maaßen and Uwe Tellkamp on the program.
  • The fair’s organisers said entries including the Sturmzeichen Verlag were removed after alleged unauthorised manipulation of the exhibitor portal and stated those involved were excluded.
  • Reports on turnout diverged, with a right‑leaning outlet citing thousands of visitors on opening morning, a figure not corroborated elsewhere.