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Violent protests against the night curfew in the Netherlands.
The measure to contain the corona epidemic first came into force on Sunday night.
Protests against it escalated across the country on Sunday - like here in Eindhoven.
According to the police and the Dutch media, violent riots broke out in a total of ten cities.
More than 200 people were arrested in total.
In Enschede, rioters attacked a hospital by throwing stones, cars were set on fire and shops were looted in several places.
The riots had been announced on social media.
Politicians condemned the violence.
The Dutch Justice Minister said this had nothing to do with legitimate political demonstrations, but was “just criminal behavior.” “In Amsterdam, the police used horses, dogs and batons against the demonstrators.
The curfew in the Netherlands has been in effect every day from 9 p.m. to 4.30 a.m. on Saturday.
Citizens then have to stay at home, in the event of violations there is a fine of 95 euros.
Resident of Amsterdam:
»I don't like the curfew.
I don't think it will have much effect on the infection rate.
I think people will look for alternatives.
Normally they would meet at 9 p.m., now they meet at 3 p.m. «
It is the most drastic measure taken by the Dutch government in the fight against the coronavirus since the pandemic began.
Resident of Amsterdam:
»Of course this is a measure that really restricts our freedom, we are not used to something like that in this country.
But I think we must now do whatever is necessary.
Giving up a little freedom is just what we have to do now. "
Shops and facilities in the Netherlands have been closed since December 15th.
The nationwide lockdown will last at least until February 9th.
