The German police reported that about 15,000 people gathered in the streets of Duisburg today, Saturday, to show their support for diversity and their opposition to right-wing extremism.

A police spokesperson said that this greatly exceeded the 5,000 people who had registered on the list of participants in the rally.

The German Trade Union Confederation called for a demonstration for social cohesion and against exclusion, hatred, and hate speech.

The Trade Union Confederation said in a statement that a broad coalition of political parties, charitable organizations, clubs, and institutions joined it to send "a clear message for a vibrant democracy."

Thousands of people across the country have been demonstrating in support of democracy and against the right-wing extremist Alternative for Germany party for weeks.

The protests erupted following a report by a media portal about a right-wing extremist meeting in Potsdam in November attended by deputies from the Alternative for Germany party and the center-right Christian Democratic Party.

They discussed a secret "general plan" for large-scale deportation of migrants.

Since then, residents have participated in protest activities in the streets in increasing numbers.

Social care organizations in Bochum and Herne called for forming a human chain tomorrow, Sunday, under the slogan "Side by side for democracy and humanity."

The event aims to form a chain seven kilometers long between the councils of the two cities.