Seven people were injured and at least 20 were arrested this Friday, as a result of a violent demonstration in the center of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, local authorities announced, according to De Telegraaf.
The protest was called in response to a new series of restrictions linked to the coronavirus pandemic, including the ban on fireworks on New Year’s Eve and the implementation of the so-called 2G policy, promoted by the Government, which prevents people not vaccinated or cured of covid-19 go to different public places.
The demonstration, which was not reported to local authorities, turned into serious disturbances around 8:00 p.m. (local time). The protesters used fireworks and set fire to four police cars, as well as several motorcycles and urban real estate.
Some 400 police officers from across the country were deployed to the streets of the port city to contain the unrest. During the intense clashes, they used water cannons and, at some point, their firearms.
“We fired warning shots and there were also direct shots, because the situation was life-threatening,” Reuters quotes Police spokeswoman Patricia Wessels.
Meanwhile, images have been shared online that allow us to appreciate the magnitude of the confrontations.
After midnight on Friday 19, the mayor of Rotterdam, Ahmed Aboutaleb, announced that the Police “have regained power” in the city center, but are still “on high alert.” He characterized what happened as an “orgy of violence.”
