Over the weekend, anti-lockdown and vaccine mandate protests broke out in Europe as nations imposed heavy new restrictions, including Austria’s introduction of legislation for a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for eligible citizens, the first of its kind in a western nation.
Violence erupted in the Netherlands on Saturday, resulting in police firing water cannons and even live ammunition into the crowd.
Three people were hospitalized after being injured amid the shooting, according to The Guardian.
The incident was referred to by the Mayor of Rotterdam, Ahmed Aboutaleb, as an “orgy of violence” during which “police felt it necessary to draw their weapons to defend themselves.”
The violent crowd lit fires, rampaged through shopping areas, and threw rocks and fireworks at police.
The government of the Netherlands has said it wants to pass a law allowing businesses to restrict the COVID-19 pass system to exclude those who are not fully vaccinated or have not contracted and recovered from the virus.
Riots broke out after largely peaceful protests that took place during the day.
NOW – Violent protests against Covid-restrictions in #Rotterdam, Netherlands.pic.twitter.com/xCTyqiy609
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) November 19, 2021
Protests turned violent in the Netherlands as crowds in Rotterdam marched against government plans to make a 'coronavirus pass' mandatory for some indoor venues https://t.co/zqTADgZZiW pic.twitter.com/N3haRtyRJQ
— Reuters (@Reuters) November 20, 2021
Rioting broke out in Rotterdam as the Netherlands government announced plans to restrict the country's coronavirus pass system to only people who are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19. https://t.co/oTHNO5Jx48 pic.twitter.com/MNOlPnnLhl
— ABC News (@ABC) November 20, 2021
#Netherlands The Hague pic.twitter.com/POZaZlQSNp
— Nicole Elisei (@EliseiNicole) November 20, 2021
The riots were the worst in the Netherlands since the pandemic broke out.
Meanwhile, The Blaze notes, protests also broke out in Austria after the government imposed another full-lockdown as well as the vaccine mandate legislation.
One of the largest protests in Vienna history today to stop their full lockdown and mandatory “get the jab or go to jail” law. pic.twitter.com/N87zkDENZo
— Aaron Ginn (@aginnt) November 20, 2021
Meanwhile, substantial crowds also gathered in Italy, Croatia, and Denmark to protest their respective governments’ lockdowns, COVID-19 passports, and mandates.
Croatia against Covid pass. pic.twitter.com/Mw41pSb68X
— Ivan Vilibor Sinčić MEP (@SincicMEP) November 20, 2021
Denmark stands up with the rest of Europe tonight to call for an end to lockdowns and mandates. pic.twitter.com/dlVmI7aqTC
— Aaron Ginn (@aginnt) November 20, 2021
NEW 🚨 Thousands gather in Rome, Italy in protest against country’s health pass pic.twitter.com/hqGjnGRYZb
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) November 20, 2021
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