Schoolchildren in Germany protest against military conscription

Teenagers in different cities of Germany took part in protests against conscription on the afternoon of December 5, Der Spiegel reports.

Demonstrations took place both in large cities, for example, in Berlin, Dresden, Leipzig, and in small towns. In total, as the organizers stated, the actions were planned to be held in 90 cities.

The demonstrations took place during school hours. In some cases, students skipped one or two last lessons to go out to protest.

Several hundred people took part in the protests, more than three thousand people in Berlin. Participants included parents of young children and elementary school students.

The demonstrations took place after the Bundestag approved conscription reform on the morning of December 5. It stipulates that young people will have to undergo a mandatory medical examination when they turn 18.

According to Deutsche Welle, military service will remain voluntary, but the authorities may begin conscripting into the army by lot if there are not enough military personnel. To do this, the Bundestag will have to make a separate decision.