Some 1,400 police officers will be on hand in Prague when a far-right group demonstrates near the Jewish Quarter.
The Young National Democrats’ march was banned by a high Czech court, but its leaders say they will not cancel the event. It is expected that 500 to 700 marchers may show up, including some neo-Nazis from outside the country. The police may try to prevent the rally from happening.
Jewish and anti-racism groups have planned three events, including a Shabbat celebration, in the Old Town Saturday, which is the anniversary of the 1938 Kristallnacht.
Czech officials such as President Vaclav Klaus have said they would personally demonstrate against the march. Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg announced Tuesday he would accompany his German counterpart, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, on a walk through the Jewish Quarter on Saturday.
Local media have predicted that counter-demonstrators will far outnumber the right-wing extremists.
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