Rotterdam police clash with rioters as Covid protest turns violent
Protesters threw rocks and fireworks at them and set police
cars ablaze.
Hundreds of protesters had gathered to show their anger at
government plans for a Covid vaccine pass, and a ban on fireworks on New Year's
Eve.
The Netherlands imposed a three-week partial Covid lockdown
last week as cases surged.
Seven people were injured in total and at least 20 arrested
in a night condemned by Rotterdam's mayor as "an orgy of violence".
Police fired warning shots and direct shots "because
the situation was life-threatening", a police spokesperson told Reuters
news agency.
The city was placed under a state of emergency and its main
station closed as a result of the violence.
Videos posted on social media showed burnt-out police cars
and rioters hurling rocks at police in the city's main shopping street. Riot
police used a water cannon to disperse them.
The Netherlands imposed fresh restrictions last Saturday
after recording its highest numbers of Covid cases since the pandemic began.
The measures means restaurants and shops have to close
earlier, and sports events must take place behind closed doors.
Demonstrators clashed with police in The Hague after the
measures were announced.
The protesters in Rotterdam voiced their disapproval at
government proposals to introduce a "corona pass" for those
vaccinated against coronavirus or who have recovered from the disease.
If introduced, only those showing the pass would be allowed
into indoor venues, such as restaurants and bars.
Earlier on Friday, the government banned fireworks on 31
December for the second year in a row. The ban would prevent "extra strain
on healthcare", the government said.
Source BBC
No comments