German police clash with anti-lockdown protesters
Police clashed with protesters in Berlin on Wednesday as they tried to disperse a rally against the coronavirus lockdown while parliament debated a law to give the national government more powers to fight a third wave of the pandemic.
Some 8,000 people gathered near the Bundestag to protest against the law Chancellor Angela Merkel drew up after some of Germany's 16 federal states refused to impose tough measures despite a surge in cases. Her government has come under fire for its chaotic handling of lockdowns and slow vaccination campaign.
The majority protested peacefully but police said they had to break up the protest because many in the crowds of demonstrators were not wearing face masks or keeping a distance from one another. Up to 2,200 officers were on duty in Berlin to manage the protests.
Several people were detained after they attacked officers, while police had to use pepper spray against other demonstrators who threw bottles and tried to climb over barriers. Police said over 60 protesters had to be forcibly removed from the area.
"Peace, freedom, no dictatorship!" some protesters chanted, many waving German flags and banners which said the coronavirus lockdown undermines values enshrined in the constitution.
Demonstrations against the legislation have been staged in the last few weeks in towns across the country.
The new law enables the national government to impose curfews between 10 p.m. (2000 GMT) and 5 a.m. (0300 GMT), as well as limits on private gatherings, sport and shop openings. Schools will close and return to online lessons if the virus incidence exceeds 165 cases per 100,000 residents.
Germany reported a rise of 24,884 coronavirus cases on Wednesday, bringing the total to nearly 3.19 million. Some 80,634 people have died and doctors have warned that unless action is taken, intensive-care units may struggle to cope.
The legislation is due to go to the Bundesrat, the upper house of parliament, on Thursday.
(Source: Reuters)
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