A German court on Friday evening reinstated a ban on rallies in the eastern town of Heidenau this weekend, overturning an earlier decision that found the ban to be "illegal".

The ban imposed by local authorities in the eastern state of Saxony aims to prevent a repeat of violent far-right protests against refugees.

The administrative court of appeal of Saxony restored the ban on outdoor public gatherings in Heidenau from Friday through Monday morning, excluding parties planned to welcome refugees.