BERLIN (The Thursday Times) — German police detained at least 20 people after a march by the “Gen Z regelt” (Gen Z takes charge) movement in Berlin on Saturday turned into clashes between officers and demonstrators, police said on Sunday. About 1,200 people joined the demonstration, although only around 100 had registered it.
Police filed 28 criminal complaints, covering riot, assault, resisting officers, and breaches of explosives regulations, after pyrotechnics were set off during the march. A police spokeswoman said at least three officers were injured and gave no information on injuries among demonstrators. About 700 officers were deployed. Police first reported 22 detentions on Saturday evening, then lowered the figure to 20 and said it could still change as the data was processed.
What the marchers want
The demonstrators were protesting against dilapidated schools, compulsory military service, and cuts to university and social funding. Slogans were also chanted against Israel and Chancellor Friedrich Merz, with pro-Palestinian activists reported among the marchers, and police said anti-police chants were heard several times.
Clashes with police
Police said on their WhatsApp channel that participants tried to break through the police line at the front of the march before it began, and that officers stopped them by pushing, shoving, and punching. Video posted on X appeared to show riot officers pushing and hitting a group inside a subway carriage. The spokeswoman said arrests were repeatedly met with resistance and physical attacks on officers.
Bigger protests planned
Organisers have announced a Europe-wide youth strike for 20 November, and a Berlin turnout of 15,000 has been registered so far. Protests are expected in countries including France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, and Greece. In France, where protest turnout fell to 106,000 on Saturday as anger turned on a police bill, demonstrations have run for five weeks.
