Coronavirus: demonstration in the Netherlands to end health restrictions

Text by: RFI Follow

In the Netherlands, around 2,000 people gathered in The Hague, where the government sits. They were demonstrating for the immediate end of health restrictions in the fight against Covid-19. The demonstration had however been formally prohibited by the Dutch government and justice. Clashes took place between police and demonstrators.

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From our correspondent in The Hague , Antoine Mouteau

“  We are a free country, we are the Netherlands . These words are one of the slogans heard in The Hague on the Malieveld, a vast lawn a few hundred meters from the seat of government. About 2,000 people came to defy the ban on demonstrations. All are fiercely opposed to the measures against the Covid-19. Like Sandra, 47 years old. “  You see on my banner, it says : the masks are muzzles. The masks prevent us from having a normal conversation on the bus. It’s nonsense . "

"  So let's do it again as before . "

In the Netherlands, the government has been less strict than in other European countries. During confinement, for example, you should not justify your trips. But for these demonstrators, the obligation to wear a mask in public transport and the mandatory distance of one and a half meters between people is unbearable. Robert, 37, says the government is exaggerating the danger of the pandemic. “  I think it has been proven that the virus is not as deadly as they would like to believe. So let's do it again as before . "

A few days ago, the authorities had prohibited the gathering, as it was deemed not to comply with current distance measures of one and a half meters. And especially for fear of seeing up to 10,000 people arriving here. A decision later validated by a court. Many criticize the government for unequal treatment, between the demonstrations of the "  Black Lives Matter  " movement and their own rallies. Towards the end of the demonstration, clashes broke out between police and demonstrators. To disperse the crowd, the police notably took out the water cannons. Several people have been arrested.

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• Netherlands
• Coronavirus
• Confinement
• Health and Medicine