Police in New Zealand have arrested more than 120 protesters during riots that broke out today at a protest near parliament in Wellington over mandatory vaccination against Covid-19.
Demonstrations have been going on for three days, and the police have intervened to disperse the crowd camping near the parliament building.
This rally, which began on Tuesday, is a reaction to the "freedom convoy" that Canadian drivers started at the end of January because of the obligation to get vaccinated if they cross the border with the United States of America.
In New Zealand, hundreds of vehicles blocked the neighborhood around Parliament in Wellington on Tuesday. Most of the gathered dispersed after 24 hours, but the most determined were determined to stay there "as long as necessary".
Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson said residents were losing patience with the disruption caused by the mobilization of protesters and that police had to intervene.
"Streets are blocked, shops have had to close, people feel threatened and intimidated," Robertson told Radio New Zealand ahead of the police crackdown.
New Zealand has introduced mandatory vaccination against Covid-19 for employees in the health, police, education and defense sectors.
Proof of vaccination is required in restaurants, at sporting events and to attend religious services.
According to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (Jacinda), 96 percent of New Zealanders have been vaccinated.
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