During an anti-war rally in Cologne, Germany, violent clashes occurred between law enforcement and protesters.

This was reported by Spiegel.

According to the police, around 3,000 people participated in the demonstration against Germany's rearmament. Some participants wore masks and set off smoke bombs, said a police spokesperson.

The rally, organized by peaceful initiatives and pro-Palestinian groups, took place at Heumarkt square. The speakers protested against increased militarization in Germany and the draft law on military service. They called for the demilitarization of Germany and emphasized the importance of international friendship, including between Germany and Russia.

In a vehicle accompanying the event, pyrotechnics, methanol, and gas canisters were found.

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

Twelve police officers were injured. A spokesperson for the demonstrators also reported injuries.

The police stated that the process of identifying individuals allegedly involved in the actions continued late into the night. Several people were taken into custody.

A spokesperson for the protesters claimed that between 40 and 60 individuals were injured but not hospitalized. The police denied this: "Medical assistance will certainly be provided where necessary."

It should be noted, this week the German government approved a bill on voluntary military service as the country seeks to increase the size of its army. The drafted document includes provisions that could reinstate mandatory conscription if there is a shortage of volunteers.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz acknowledged the potential introduction of a mandatory general conscription in the future if the current "voluntary" model does not attract more people to the military.