DHAKA: The new leader of Germany’s controversial Pegida anti-Islamisation group Pegida has resigned a week after her predecessor, reports say.

Kathrin Oertel appeared on TV at the weekend and had become the public face of the movement after Lutz Bachmann stepped down, reports the BBC.

A photo of Bachman posing as Hitler had been published and he had made disparaging comments about refugees.

Four other leading figures in the group have resigned alongside Oertel.

One of the five told Bild newspaper that they had resigned because of Mr Bachmann’s continuing influence and the role of a separate, sister movement in Leipzig known as Legida.

Thousands of supporters have joined Pegida marches in several towns and cities in recent weeks, especially in Dresden where the movement began.

The rise of Pegida has prompted German chancellor Angela Merkel and several other leaders to warn of the dangers of intolerance and racism. Counter marches have also been held in Dresden and elsewhere.

BDST: 2107 HRS, JAN 28, 2015