Merkel backs new powers to expel migrant criminals as far-right march in Cologne over wave of sex assaults by 'Arab and north African men'

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has backed a toughening of expulsion rules for convicted refugees in Germany 

Around 1,700 protesters from the anti-Islam Pegida movement were kept apart from 1,300 counter demonstrators 

Under potential new rules, migrants who commit a crime, even if they have not been to prison, could be kicked out

German police confirmed the number of cases of violence reported from New Year Eve has now reached up to 379

See more of the latest news on Germany's wave of sexual attacks  

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3391678/Feminists-far-right-groups-hold-separate-rallies-Cologne-Merkel-backs-new-powers-expel-migrant-criminals-wave-sex-assaults.html#ixzz3wmEKL2UV