Berlin protest against coronavirus restrictions turns violent, 300 arrested
- At least 38,000 demonstrators participate in various protests, during which an attempt was made to storm Germany’s Reichstag parliament building
- Smaller demonstrations take place in Paris and London
An estimated 38,000 people took part in at least two rallies near key federal government buildings on Saturday, according to broadcaster ARD. Later, violence erupted between law enforcement and about 3,000 far-right activists, the DPA reported. Police also forcibly removed protesters from a restricted zone at the Reichstag parliament building after an attempt to storm it.
About 100 people were arrested earlier on Saturday at a rally and march, where some demonstrators threw bottles at police, according to DPA. Demonstrators held posters that read “Stop the coronavirus madness” and “End the coronavirus dictatorship”, and a protest leader called for Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government to resign.
“Coronavirus is one big lie,” a man in his 50s told the N24 news channel.
Smaller protests were reported in the French and British capitals. In London, thousands gathered at Trafalgar Square to oppose lockdowns and vaccinations, The Telegraph reported. As many as 300 people rallied in downtown Paris against government mask-wearing requirements, broadcaster Europe1 reported.