German Students Strike Against Conscription: 'We Don't Want to Die for Corporations'
A growing number of German teenagers are protesting against what they perceive as a creeping militarization of society, fueled by the recent Military Service Modernization Act. On May 8, students across the country organized strikes and demonstrations. Five youth aged 15 to 17 from various cities shared their reasons for refusing military service and their experiences with school and adult reactions to their protests. Shmuel, a 17-year-old 10th grader from Berlin, participated in his second mass student protest with thousands of others. The students express that decisions about their future are being made without their input, and they refuse to die for corporate interests.
Key facts
- Students aged 15-17 are protesting against militarization
- Protests are triggered by the Military Service Modernization Act
- Nationwide strikes and demonstrations occurred on May 8
- Five youth from different cities shared their perspectives
- Shmuel, 17, from Berlin joined his second mass protest
- Students feel their future is decided without their consent
- Protesters refuse to die for corporations
- Schools and adults have reacted to the protests
Entities
Locations
- Berlin
- Germany