28 criminal charges filed in Berlin after youth "Gen Z regelt" protest

Police in Berlin have filed 28 criminal charges after a Saturday demonstration by the youth movement "Gen Z regelt" ("Gen Z takes charge"). Protesters in the German capital voiced objections to national education and social policy, but according to police the event repeatedly escalated into clashes.

Turnout exceeded the registered number

Only about one hundred participants had been registered for the event, yet around 1,200 people actually took part. Slogans targeted neglected schools, compulsory military service, and cuts to university and social funding. Other issues were also raised.

Clashes with police

In their WhatsApp channel, police said that before the march began, participants tried to break through the police cordon. Officers responded with pushing and striking. According to police, the demonstration at times became violent. In total, three officers were injured, and 700 police officers were deployed at the scene.

On Sunday morning, a police spokeswoman said 20 people had been detained, including for using pyrotechnics and other violations. During the detentions, she said, there was repeated resistance and physical attacks on officers.

The criminal charges were filed for rioting, assaults, resisting police officers, and violations of rules on the use of explosives.

Larger protests expected

Broader protests are planned in German and other European cities on 20 November. About 15,000 demonstrators have registered for the Berlin event.