Protesters loot shops, 100 officers injured as riots spread to Germany

Rioting erupted in Frankfurt, Germany, leading to widespread damage and injuries during weekend student-led protests. At least 100 police officers were injured, and stores were looted, prompting the government to warn of a crackdown. The protests, organized by Gen Z regelt, called for better education and lower living costs across Germany.

Roman Poseck, the state interior minister of Hesse, reported that ten thousand people marched in numerous cities, with hooded rioters damaging 17 stores, five of which were looted. Police deployed 1,300 officers, arresting 54 individuals between 13 and 29 years old. Most arrested were German nationals, but some were of immigrant background, according to Poseck.

Police estimate there are between 1,000 and 1,500 violent troublemakers, mostly from immigrant backgrounds. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt vowed severe penalties for the perpetrators, accusing them of acting alongside left-wing extremists and far-left groups, without providing evidence. Germany tightened border controls to prevent extremist groups from abroad from inciting riots.

In France, protests remained largely peaceful for the third consecutive weekend despite previous violent unrest.