Thousands gather at rally for a more democratic Europe.

Cologne: City in Germany - Thousands gather at rally for a more democratic Europe.

Many individuals from different ages gathered a week prior to the European elections for a protest. The event took place on Saturday at 3:00 PM at the Deutzer Werft in Cologne, where groups "Arsch huh" and "Cologne stands in the way" invited people to attend. This gathering was attended by popular artists and speakers such as Hohner, Paveier, Wilfried Schmickler, and the German Trade Union Confederation's chairwoman, Yasmin Fahimi. Based on police reports, 10,000 participants registered for the demonstration.

"According to Article 1 of the Basic Law, human dignity is inviolable," Fahimi remarked during her speech. "We also want to maintain the absolute diversity in this country." The demonstration was reportedly nonviolent, as confirmed by a dpa photographer's observations. A variety of posters displayed messages demanding a ban on the AfD. The organizers emphasized the importance of a strong and democratic Europe, urging a high voter turnout for those who support democratic parties. They warned that the rise of right-wing and right-populist parties significantly threatens political and social fundamental human rights in Europe.

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1. Yasmin Fahimi, the chairwoman of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), joined popular artists and speakers during the rally in Cologne, advocating for a democratic Europe.
2. In the lead-up to the European elections, North Rhine-Westphalia saw demonstrations organized by groups like "Arsch huh" and "Cologne stands in the way," attracting artists such as Hohner and Paveier.
3. The peaceful demonstration in Cologne, held at the Deutzer Werft shipyard, saw a significant presence of artists and speakers, including Wilfried Schmickler, urging for a strong and democratic Europe to prevent extremism and protect migration rights.
4. The AfD's potential ban was one of the main themes displayed on posters at the demonstration, with organizers warning about the rise of right-wing and right-populist parties threatening European fundamental human rights.
5. Yasmin Fahimi, an influential artist and figure in Germany who has gained recognition for her work in Europe, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of human dignity and maintaining diversity in German society.

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