German magazine Stern depicts Donald Trump doing Nazi salute

Respected German magazine Stern portrayed US President Donald Trump giving a Nazi salute, as news organisations around the world criticise his stance on violence in Charlottesville. The cover of the latest edition of the 69-year-old news publication shows Trump wearing an American flag while giving the salute, which is illegal in Germany.

The mocked-up image appears alongside the headline "Sein Kampf", which means "his struggle" — a reference to Adolf Hitler's book Mein Kampf, or "My Struggle". Underneath, a caption reads: "Neo-nazis, Ku Klux Klan, Racism: As Donald Trump stirs the hate in America."

Trump has faced strong criticism for his reaction to clashes between white supremacists and anti-racism groups in Virginia. The far-right rally culminated in a car ploughing into a group of anti-racism protesters, killing 32-year-old Heather Heyer and injuring 19 others.

Violence broke out between the two groups at a right-wing march organised to protest against the proposed removal of a statue of General Robert E Lee, who commanded the pro-slavery Confederate forces during the American Civil War.

Trump blamed "both sides" for the violence, prompting a wave of condemnation from senior Republican and Democratic politicians.

Former Presidents George H W Bush and George W Bush in a rare joint statement said: "As we pray for Charlottesville, we are reminded of the fundamental truths recorded by that city's most prominent citizen in the Declaration of Independence: we are all created equal and endowed by our creator with unalienable rights. We know these truths to be everlasting because we have seen the decency and greatness of our country."

The President was backed by former Ku Klux Klan grand wizard David Duke, who thanked him for his "honesty and courage."

Another German magazine, Der Spiegel, featured Trump wearing a KKK hood last week. The New Yorker and The Economist have both depicted Trump alongside KKK imagery.