Dutch police fire warning shots as COVID protests shake Rotterdam | Coronavirus pandemic News

Dozens were arrested and seven injured after protests against the partial blockade turned violent.

Dutch police fired warning shots, injuring several people after violent protests against a partial blockade of COVID-19 in Rotterdam turned violent, with some protesters firing a police car and throwing stones.

Chaos arose against the restrictions on newly introduced coronaviruses in the port city and against the plan to restrict access to certain places for unvaccinated people.

Dozens of people were arrested and seven others injured, including police, in a night massacre on one of Rotterdam’s main shopping streets.

The Netherlands returned to the first in western Europe partial blocking the winter season a week ago. Restrictions affecting restaurants, shops and sports are expected to be in place for at least three weeks.

Rotterdam Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb described the scene as an “orgy of violence”.

“The police finally felt the need to pull out a police weapon to defend themselves,” he told reporters.

Police said in a statement that the demonstration, which began on Coolsingel Street, “caused riots. They have lit fires in several places. Fireworks broke out and police fired several warnings. ”

“There are wounds associated with gunshot wounds,” they added. They did not give a number but the Dutch public channel NOS said two people were injured.

The Dutch media said hundreds of protesters shouted slogans of “freedom”, then threw stones at police and firefighters and set fire to several electric scooters. Police used water cannons to try to disperse the crowd.

The situation largely calmed down on Friday night, but there was a large police presence.

In Dutch media photos, at least one police car was on fire and another was smashed on a bicycle with a windshield.

The local Leefbaar Rotterdam political party condemned the violence in a tweet.

“The center of our beautiful city has become a war zone this afternoon,” he said. “Rotterdam is a city where you can’t agree with the things that are happening, but violence is never the solution, never.”

Dutch police said units from across the country had entered the city to “restore order”.

Rotterdam authorities issued an emergency order banning people from gathering in the area to “maintain public order” while its main train station was closed.

Demonstrations have been organized in Amsterdam and the southern city of Breda for Saturday. Local media say thousands of people are expected to attend.

The Netherlands is trying to control a new wave of coronavirus, with more than 21,000 new cases reported on Friday.

The government is considering excluding those who have not been vaccinated from bars and restaurants, allowing only those who are fully vaccinated or cured of the disease to enter.

Similar steps have already been taken in neighboring Germany. Austria has entered a complete blockade and plans to vaccinate mandatory.