Danish movement bars uniformed groups from Copenhagen rally

The right-wing grassroots movement Det Danske Folk will turn away people who arrive in groups wearing uniform-like clothing at its demonstration in Copenhagen on Saturday, DR reports. The rally is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. at Kongens Nytorv, a square in the city.

Cyrus Razavi, the movement’s spokesperson and security coordinator, said the ban covers matching outfits, single-colour clothing and camouflage. Groups dressed in black or militant-style clothing will also be refused entry, he said.

The rules follow unrest at the movement’s first Copenhagen demonstration on September 5. A group of people dressed in black threw firecrackers and fireworks at counter-demonstrators, prompting police to intervene.

Razavi said organisers had adopted a zero-tolerance policy and would ask police to remove people who were masked or gave Nazi salutes. Copenhagen Police told DR it could not comment on what was discussed at a meeting with members of the public, but said officers would be visibly present at the demonstration.

Razavi said the movement would allow red and white clothing and Danish flags, which it regards as symbols that can unite people across ethnic, religious and political differences. The rally’s slogans include “fair and realistic remigration” and opposition to “Nazism, communism and Islamisation”.

A counter-demonstration organised by Mino Denmark under the slogan “No to remigration, demonstration against racism” has been announced for 1 p.m. at Halmtorvet in Copenhagen.