The prefecture of Calais has taken steps to prevent the local branch of Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation of the West (PEGIDA) marching through the French port town on Saturday, citing possible clashes with far left groups. Movement leaders in the area have vowed to march regardless, citing their right to free expression. In a statement confirming the ban this afternoon, the local authority claimed that PEGIDA is an “extremist splinter group,” Le Figaro has reported. He justified the ban on the grounds that there is “tangible proof that this event poses a risk of generating confrontation between the ultra-right movement and the ultra-left movement in the centre of Calais.” In response, local PEGIDA leaders have started a petition in which they announce their intention to march on Saturday in defiance of the ban. “We regret to inform you that the French people do not want to abide by the ban,” the statement says. It continues: “In France we have a right to free expression, and we will use it. We will be [in] Calais whether you like it or not… We want to defend ourselves against what is believed to be an injustice.” PEGIDA was founded in Dresden, Germany in October