Demonstrations against the restrictions introduced to combat the coronavirus were held today in several European countries, and in some places there were also clashes between the participants and the police.
The largest number of people gathered in the German city of Kassel, more than 20.000, although the court banned the gathering, and most did not wear a mask or keep a distance from others.
In Kassel, police officers used water cannons, tear gas and batons against protesters who tried to break through the barriers. There were also clashes between demonstrators and counter-meeting participants.
Protests across Germany have been called by various groups, most of them from the far right.
In Berlin, about 1.800 police officers were on alert for possible riots, but only about 500 far-right demonstrators gathered at the Brandenburg Gate, while there were about 1.000 citizens at the counter-meeting.
There were also protests due to the government's emergency measures in Great Britain, Austria, Finland, Romania and Switzerland.
In London, protesters ignored police warnings that they would be fined or arrested for breaking the rules.
Demonstrations against the months-long shutdown of the economy took place in London after 60 MPs signed a letter asking the government to change laws and allow protests even when other gatherings are banned due to the pandemic.
More than 5.000 Swiss people took part in a protest march in the community of Listal, near Basel, with some carrying banners reading "Vaccination kills".
In Romania, more than 1.000 vaccination opponents gathered in Bucharest, where they chanted "Block Vaccination" and "Freedom". One banner read "Parents, protect your children! Stop the fear."
Romania's far-right AUR party strongly supports the nationalist movement that has announced anti-vaccination demonstrations in recent weeks.
About 1.000 Austrians protested against the introduced measures near the train station in Vienna.
In Finland, according to the police estimate, around 400 people without masks gathered together and protested in Helsinki due to the imposed restrictions. Smaller protests have been announced in other Finnish cities.
The protest ended peacefully, but the participants violated the prescribed measures.
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