Rainbow flags torn down at Cologne Pride parade

A group of 13 people were charged in Cologne after making loud right-wing extremist and homophobic remarks during an otherwise peaceful LGBTQ Pride parade at the weekend, reported dpa.

The group also tore down rainbow flags, a spokeswoman for the city police said on Monday.

Officers at the scene were alerted by a witness and quickly filed criminal charges for incitement to hatred and damage to property.

Some of the men, aged between 18 and 30, were wearing black clothing, were shaven-headed and bare-chested.

According to the police, the day was "trouble-free" overall. However, there had been several threats in the run-up to the parade.

Several hundred officers were assigned to protected Sunday's event, which according to the organizers drew 1.2 million people. The Cologne Pride parade is one of the largest of its kind in Germany.