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Hundreds follow German far-right party's call to stage torch-lit march against refugees

Associated Press
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A left-wing demonstrator holds a poster behind the police as he demonstrates against a protest by extreme right-wing organizations who are against a refugee camp with immigrants and asylum-seekers initiated by NPD (National Democratic Party of Germany) in Schneeberg, eastern Germany, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013. (AP Photo/Jens Meyer) (The Associated Press)

People demonstrate with torches during a rally against a refugee camp with immigrants and asylum-seekers initiated by NPD (National Democratic Party of Germany) in Schneeberg, eastern Germany, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013. The NPD supporters marched in opposition of a refugee camp recently built on the outskirts of the eastern German town. Hundreds of people take part at the so called 'Lichtellauf'. (AP Photo / Jens Meyer) (The Associated Press)

German riot police patrol near a left-wing demonstration which is being held near to protests against a refugee camp in Schneeberg, eastern Germany, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013. The camp contains immigrants and asylum-seekers and was initiated by NPD (National Democratic Party of Germany). (AP Photo/Jens Meyer) (The Associated Press)

A protest organized by Germany's biggest far-right party has drawn hundreds to a torch-lit march against refugees for the second time this month.

Saturday's demonstration, organized by the right-wing NPD party, was directed against the opening of a reception center for asylum seekers in the small eastern town of Schneeberg.

Police spokeswoman Heidi Hennig says several participants are being investigated for carrying illegal weapons and attacking a press photographer.

Hennig says there were minor clashes with left-wing counterdemonstrators.

Some 1,500 people also took part in a peaceful march for tolerance organized by town officials.