In Cologne, Germany, violent clashes broke out between police and demonstrators during an anti-war protest.

According to Spiegel, around 3,000 people took to the streets to protest against Germany's rearmament and the war. Some participants wore masks and ignited smoke bombs, as reported by a police spokesperson.

The protest was held at the Heumarkt square, where activists from peace initiatives and pro-Palestinian groups voiced their opposition to military conscription and rearmament in Germany. They called for the demilitarization of Germany and emphasized the importance of international solidarity, including cooperation with Russia.

In a vehicle accompanying the event, police found dangerous materials, such as fireworks, methanol, and gas canisters.

The evening rally of the "Disarm Rheinmetall" coalition was halted due to attacks on police officers and repeated violations of assembly laws, according to police reports. Officers deployed tear gas and batons.

Twelve police officers sustained injuries during the clashes. A spokesperson for the demonstrators also reported injuries among the protesters.

The police stated that the process of identifying individuals allegedly involved in the protests continued late into the night, and several people were taken into custody.

A representative of the protesters claimed that between 40 and 60 individuals were injured but did not require hospitalization. The police spokesperson denied this, stating, "Medical assistance will certainly be provided where necessary."

It is worth noting, that this week the German government approved a bill on voluntary military service as the country seeks to expand its armed forces. The drafted document includes provisions that could reinstate mandatory conscription in the event of a shortage of volunteers.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz indicated the possibility of introducing a mandatory general military draft in the future if the current "voluntary" model fails to attract enough recruits.