Gen Z protests held in 34 German cities; stores looted in Frankfurt — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): Hooded individuals looted storesin Frankfurt after thousands of people took to the streets in 34 German cities, including Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt, demanding better education, lower living costs and an end to compulsory military service. According to Reuters, the demonstrations on Saturday were organised by the campaign group “Gen Z regelt” (Gen Z takes charge), which opposes compulsory military service and calls for greater investment in education amid rising living costs. In Frankfurt, Germany’s financial hub, at least two shops were looted and several others damaged as protests turned violent, according to a Reuters witness. Frankfurt police said violent disturbances were continuing, adding that shop windows had been smashed and Molotov cocktails thrown at emergency services. They urged people to avoid the city centre or leave the area. Police in Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin reported up to 18,000 protesters, while organisers had initially expected 182,000 participants. The organisers’ website had listed approximately 36,000 expected participants. German authorities said the demonstrations, which coincided with Halloween celebrations, had been largely peaceful, but warned that extremist groups could exploit the movement. In Hamburg, several barricades were set on fire. “We are here today to fight for peace and freedom, rather than for war and coercion,” Gen Z regeltspokesperson Lina Friedrich said in Berlin. She said the group wanted better support for…