OMM Newsroom
German government ministers have promised harsh penalties for those who damaged and looted shops in Frankfurt. More than 100 police officers were injured in overnight riots. Ministers also praised security forces for preventing wider clashes.
Thousands of young people took part in demonstrations in various German cities on Saturday, calling for better access to education and lower living costs, AnewZ reported. The protests were led by the “Gen Z regelt” initiative. Violence broke out late on Saturday.
17 shops damaged in Frankfurt
Hesse Interior Minister Roman Poseck said at a news conference on Sunday that hooded rioters damaged 17 shops in Frankfurt and looted five of them. A total of 1,300 police officers were deployed, with more than 100 injured. Fifty-four people aged 13 to 29 were detained.
“What I saw shocked me, and there is no point in playing it down. I want to be very clear: This cannot continue,” Poseck said.
Frankfurt police said shop windows were smashed during the riots and Molotov cocktails were thrown at emergency services.
Poseck said most of those detained were German citizens. Citing police data, the minister said many of those involved in the incidents had a migrant background.
“Police currently estimate they are facing 1,000 to 1,500 violent rioters. Most of them have a migrant background,” Poseck said.
Harsh penalties promised
Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, of the conservative Christian Social Union, told Bild that rioters and looters would be identified and held accountable. “Disruption of public order must result in harsh penalties,” he said.
Dobrindt accused violent left-wing groups and rioters from migrant communities of hijacking peaceful protests, but gave no further details. He also said the police strategy of maintaining a large presence at various locations had worked and prevented violence from escalating “to the level seen in Paris.”
Berlin police said 27 officers sustained minor injuries in the capital and up to 56 people were temporarily detained.
Protests in Germany have widely been reported to have drawn inspiration from similar youth-led demonstrations in France. Protests in France were largely peaceful this weekend. Riots and looting on October 17, however, damaged shops, public buildings and businesses.
