German TV Defends Merkel Headscarf Mock-Up

A German TV channel has been accused of promoting Islamophobia after it mocked up an image of the country's leader in traditional Islamic clothing.

The picture was digitally altered to show Chancellor Angela Merkel in a chador, a garment worn by many women in Iran, against a backdrop of minarets on a city skyline.

It was used as part of a debate about the influx of migrants to Germany and whether there should be quotas.

Public broadcaster ARD said the image was intended as "satire", but added that it was "sorry some people disagreed" with its portrayal of Mrs Merkel.

The issue has sparked an intense debate on the programme's Facebook page, with some viewers accusing the TV station of resorting to anti-Muslim propaganda, while others described the migrant crisis as a "Pandora's Box".

The issue of refugees and migrants has polarised parts of the German community as large numbers of people have arrived from the Middle East and parts of eastern Europe.

Mrs Merkel visited a refugee shelter earlier this year after it was the focus of anti-migrant protests.

Germany has said it expects to receive one million migrants this year .