Strong Lockdown Backlash in Europe... Anti-Quarantine Protests Grow Larger (Comprehensive)

30,000 People Protest in Brussels, Belgium
Protest Rally Also Held in Netherlands

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] A large-scale protest involving more than 30,000 citizens took place in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, to oppose the reintroduction of COVID-19 restrictions. As COVID-19 spreads rapidly across European countries, governments are tightening restrictions, and protests against these measures are showing signs of intensifying.

According to the Associated Press on the 21st (local time), approximately 35,000 citizens participated in the protest, according to police estimates.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

The protest initially proceeded peacefully, but in the late afternoon, several hundred protesters engaged in violent acts such as attacking police, damaging cars, and setting fire to trash bins. Some protesters threw smoke bombs and fireworks at the police. The police responded with tear gas and water cannons. Injuries occurred during this process, and some individuals were arrested.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

The Belgian government gradually eased lockdowns starting this summer, and as the number of confirmed cases and hospitalizations decreased and vaccination rates increased, further easing of restrictions was implemented in early October. However, with the recent surge in cases, regulations were tightened again, including expanding the application of vaccine certificates and mandating remote work.

Currently, Belgium's daily average of new confirmed cases exceeds 13,000, approaching the highest level recorded in October last year.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

In recent days, many European countries have been experiencing a resurgence of COVID-19, causing concern among health authorities. In France, where 19,749 new cases were reported the previous day, marking the highest number since August, measures such as mandatory verification of vaccination certificates in public places have been implemented.

The French government announced plans to discuss expanding the eligible age group for booster shots this week.

Previously, health authorities recommended on the 19th that booster shots be extended to those aged 40 and above.

Currently, 30% of people aged 65 and older in France have received booster shots. Starting December 1, those aged 50 and above will be able to apply for booster shots.

In Germany, the average number of confirmed cases per 100,000 people reached a record high of 372.7 last week.

Protests against the reintroduction of COVID-19 restrictions are also ongoing.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

In the Netherlands, where daily new cases recently exceeded 20,000, marking the highest level since the pandemic began, protests erupted in response to tightened restrictions. During protests held in The Hague and other locations, some protesters set fires and threw stones at the police. About 40 people were arrested during these events.

In The Hague, Netherlands
[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Authorities used water cannons and even deployed police dogs to suppress the protesters. Clashes between citizens and police also occurred during protests held the previous day. Three people were injured by police gunfire and are currently hospitalized. Additionally, five police officers were injured during confrontations with protesters.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.