Protests against measures in Rotterdam: Police launched a warning shooting – SME.sk

AMSTERDAM. Dutch police opened a warning fire on Friday night and used a water cannon during a demonstration against the tightening of pandemic measures in Rotterdam. At least two people were injured on the spot.

DPA and Reuters reported.

Police spokeswoman Patricia Wessels said police used warning shots because the situation on the protest was “life-threatening.”

“We know that at least two people have been injured, probably as a result of a warning shooting, but the exact cause of the injuries has not yet been determined,” she explained.

Pyrotechnics and a burned police car

Several hundred people took part in the demonstration. They came to express their disagreement with the government’s plan to allow entry into establishments and social events only to persons who show a valid covid passport.

Protesters used fireworks and threw various objects at police and firefighters. Several cases of arson were reported, at least one police car was set on fire.

Heavy police officers also intervened against the rioters.

Return to partial lockdown

The Dutch government last week announced a return to a partial lockdown, which will be valid for three weeks. Bars, restaurants, cafes and supermarkets they have to close from 20:00 on last Saturday in accordance with the new measures. Shops that sell non-basic goods must close as early as 18:00.

The country reported more than 21,000 new cases of infection on Friday, the largest daily increase since the pandemic began.

In total, approximately 2.4 million people have been infected in the country and 18,900 related deaths have been reported.