German airlines have reported a sharp drop in tourism amid widespread outcry over a surge of neo-Nazi violence in the country.
Travel agencies are demonstrating concern over the impact of rising right-wing extremism culminating last week in the killing of three ethnic Turks in a firebomb attack in Moelln, near Hamburg.
The agencies ran full-page ads Sunday saying millions of Germans had been received as welcome guests in Turkey.
“It is time for us to reciprocate,” said the ad.
Meanwhile, police in Hanover arrested and later released nine members of a right-wing organization banned by the government over the weekend.
Weapons and propaganda material were confiscated at the homes of the National Front members.
Chancellor Helmut Kohl came under attack this week from within his own party for failing to speak out decisively against neo-Nazi violence.
Rainer Barzel, a former Christian Democratic Union candidate for the post of chancellor, said Kohl was abrogating his responsibilities in failing to lead the fight against right-wing extremism.
The attack in Moelln has been described by the director of the German internal security service as having been well-planned and professionally carried out.
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