40,000 Students Protest in Berlin Against New German Military Law

The Berlin rallies were part of a nationwide movement that drew over 45,000 participants across 100 cities using slogans such as "Your war — without us." While military service remains voluntary, a new law requires 18 year old men to complete questionnaires, and those born in 2008 or later must undergo medical examinations starting next year. The Bundestag can vote to reinstate full conscription, suspended in 2011, if current recruitment targets are not met.