New Zealand: Hitler concert 'offensive but legal'
Neo-Nazi organization expected to hold rock concert in Wellington on Saturday evening to commemorate Adolf Hitler's birthday. Jewish and anti-racist groups appalled by event, but authorities say plans are not illegal
A Neo-Nazi organization in New Zealand is expected to hold a rock concert in Wellington on Saturday evening to commemorate the birthday of Adolf Hitler, who was born on April 20.
The planned event has appalled Jewish and anti-racist groups, the New Zealand Herald reported, but Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres said that although the plans were offensive to many, they were not illegal.
"Mercifully, there aren't many people in New Zealand happy to celebrate Hitler's birthday. I don't think it's going to be a very big party."
Local branches of skinhead gang Hammerskins and neo-Nazi organization Blood and Honour - banned in parts of Europe, are bringing Australian "viking rock" band Blood Red Eagle to play in the capital, The Dominion Post reported.
According to the report, this week the Hammerskins announced a change of venue from the Berhampore headquarters of motorcycle gang Satan's Slaves to a secret venue "due to differences."
Wellington Jewish community leader and Israeli honorary consul David Zwartz said the concert was "distasteful and offensive".
Wellington police said they were aware of the event, but were not expecting any trouble, the New Zealand Herald reported.
According to a report published at the beginning of the week, the number of anti-Semitic acts around the world, especially in Europe, registered a large increase during 2006.
Australia, Canada (especially in the French speaking regions) and South Africa have registered alarming increases in anti-Semitic incidents, the report said.
It was also revealed that 590 acts of vandalism and violence were committed during 2006 against Jewish people, property and institutes such as synagogues and cemeteries.
