West German authorities are cracking down on the use of uniformed “ushers” assigned allegedly to keep order at election rallies of the ultra right-wing National Democratic Party (NPD). The so-called ushers have been involved in riots that broke out at NPD meetings in Frankfurt and other cities recently. They have been accused of beating up hecklers and assaulting passers-by.
The ministers of interior of the various German state governments have announced a ban on “stewards” who carry sticks and beat up opponents. They acted on the requests of local police chiefs and trade union leaders following the disorders in Frankfurt. The Mayor of Darmstadt has banned an NPD election rally there for fear of violent clashes.
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