Newspaper: Number of conscientious objectors in Germany rises sharply

The number of conscientious objectors in Germany is rising sharply, with nearly 1,900 new applications in October alone. Since the beginning of the year, 16,869 Germans have refused military service, nearly tripling since summer. Experts attribute this increase to heightened security concerns due to Russia and reports of sexual misconduct in the Bundeswehr. A recent study revealed that a significant percentage of military personnel have experienced verbal harassment. The German government aims to increase voluntary military personnel, but the current conscription law only applies to men. A new military service law requires men to fill out suitability questionnaires, while women and non-binary individuals participate voluntarily. Despite the lack of mandatory service, men can refuse military service based on conscience, as stipulated in the constitution.