Thousands of people are expected to take part in traditional Easter peace marches across Germany this year.

This is happening against the backdrop of ongoing wars and rising defence spending.

Rallies and cycling demonstrations are planned in more than 100 cities under the slogan ‘Reject war – build peace!’

The Peace Cooperative Network, which coordinates the events, said it was “cautiously optimistic” that participation could exceed last year’s turnout of 40,000 people.

The peace movement is calling on the German government to pursue diplomatic initiatives to end ongoing conflicts, strengthen international law, and increase support for people affected by war.

Organisers are also voicing opposition to global rearmament and warning against the reintroduction of compulsory military service in Germany.

The first Easter marches are set to take place on Thursday and Friday, with most events scheduled for Saturday and Monday.

Among them is the traditional three-day Rhine-Ruhr Easter march, which begins on Saturday and runs from Duisburg to Dortmund in western Germany.

(dpa/NAN)