A legal expert has raised concerns over Interior Minister Roman Poseck’s suggestion to ban the planned Gen-Z protest in Frankfurt on November 20, citing significant legal hurdles and unresolved questions.

Following violent clashes during the ‘Gen Z regelt’ demonstrations in Frankfurt last Saturday, Interior Minister Roman Poseck (CDU) proposed banning the next planned Gen-Z protest scheduled for November 20. The protests, which drew around 8,000 participants advocating for climate action, reduced living costs, and opposition to conscription, were marred by riots, looting, and over 50 arrests. Legal expert Matthias Jahn from Goethe University Frankfurt has criticized the minister’s swift call for a ban, emphasizing the high legal standards required for such measures and the need for further investigation into the events.

Jahn, a professor of criminal law, noted that it remains unclear whether the organizers of the ‘Gen Z regelt’ protests bear any responsibility for the violence. He pointed out that the organizers had explicitly distanced themselves from the unrest, which involved approximately 1,000 to 1,500 individuals, some of whom reportedly attacked police officers. Jahn stressed the importance of distinguishing between peaceful demonstrators, left-wing radicals allegedly hijacking the protest, and violent individuals who caused chaos in the city center. He also highlighted the strict criteria applied by Hessian administrative courts when assessing restrictions on assembly rights, referencing recent failed attempts to ban Pro-Palestinian rallies in Frankfurt.

Interior Minister Poseck defended his stance, stating that while the right to assembly is fundamental, violent protests cannot be permitted. He argued that the organizers failed to maintain control over the demonstrations and questioned whether the November 20 event could proceed. Poseck, a former president of the Hessian State Court, emphasized the need for peaceful assemblies and cited the predominantly German nationality of those arrested during the riots. Jahn, however, urged caution, advocating for a thorough review of the incidents before considering any bans, and underscored the societal support for the protesters’ goals, such as improved education opportunities.