Batman-Costume Protester Arrested During Violent Halloween Clashes in Germany

Violence in Frankfurt

Frankfurt police said disturbances were continuing in the city centre, with shop windows smashed and Molotov cocktails thrown at emergency services. Officers urged bystanders to avoid the area or leave it.

Protesters’ demands in Germany

The German demonstrations were organised by Gen Z regelt, a campaign group whose name means “Gen Z takes charge” in German. It opposes compulsory military service and seeks greater investment in education as young people face rising costs.

German authorities said Saturday’s demonstrations had been largely peaceful, while warning that extremist groups might try to exploit the movement. Spokesperson Lina Friedrich said the group was demonstrating for peace and freedom, and called for stronger health and education systems and a fairer distribution of burdens.

Clashes spread across France

France saw further protests on Saturday night, marking the third consecutive weekend of demonstrations. Police fired tear gas and charged crowds with batons after being targeted with firebombs, as hundreds of thousands marched nationwide.

In Paris, four police officers and one gendarme were injured. An incendiary device was thrown at security forces, prompting riot squads to push crowds away from perimeter streets.

Security measures and causes

Authorities deployed about 70,000 police officers and gendarmes across France. Marches were barred from commercial city centres, while Paris rallies were moved to the capital’s eastern periphery. The unrest followed two earlier weekends of rioting that began with student walkouts over deteriorating school facilities, teacher shortages and university admissions. Demonstrations broadened into anger over inflation and economic inequality, while shopkeepers in Paris boarded up businesses ahead of evening rallies.