German riot police battled with neo-Nazis holding an illegal rock concert overnight in a disused brewery, the police said early Sunday.
Five of the concert-goers were injured and 15 were taken into custody during the mayhem at Luebben, 70 kilometres south-east of the capital Berlin.
Hate music and use of Nazi symbols such as the swastika are banned in Germany, where neo-Nazi bands have been outlawed. Some groups continue to gather in secret, especially in the former communist east where most support for the neo-Nazis is concentrated.Police who entered the venue Saturday night took names of 119 persons and formally instructed them to leave the premises.
Many ignored the police and 46 barricaded themselves inside part of the building, throwing bottles at riot police. Participants are likely to face charges of assault against police and wearing illegal symbols. ( Dpa )