Protests Against COVID-19 Restrictions Held for 3 Consecutive Days in the Netherlands

Over 130 People Arrested for Violent Acts and Property Damage

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] On the 21st (local time), protests against COVID-19 restrictions were held in the Netherlands.

During the protests on this day, acts such as attacking the police and damaging property were repeated, similar to the demonstrations held on the 19th and 20th.

According to AFP, dpa, and other news agencies, on the night of Sunday in northern Dutch cities including Groningen, Leeuwarden, eastern Enschede, and Tilburg, protests were held against the government's partial lockdown measures and plans to restrict access to restaurants and bars for unvaccinated individuals.

Some protesters attacked police with fireworks in the city and broke shop windows, resulting in several arrests. Police and local media reported that about 130 people were arrested over the three days of protests.

The Netherlands eased most COVID-19 restrictions on September 25 and required a 'Corona Pass,' a vaccination certificate, to enter restaurants, bars, and cultural events. However, as confirmed cases surged afterward, partial lockdown measures were reintroduced from the 13th.

The Dutch government is considering allowing only those who are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 to enter bars and restaurants, excluding the unvaccinated.

Similar protests against strengthened government restrictions have occurred in other European countries such as Austria and Belgium. On the 21st, a protest in Brussels, Belgium, resulted in injuries to three police officers and one civilian, with about 40 protesters arrested and detained.

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