Dutch police said on Sunday they had arrested 30 people in Amsterdam during a protest against health restrictions in the Netherlands, where new lockdown was imposed in the face of the spread of the Omicron variant.
Thousands of people gathered on the Museumplein, one of the main squares in the Dutch capital.
They had taken part in an action called "Drink a coffee", following the refusal by the local authorities to authorize the demonstration, according to RTBF.
"At the mayor's request, the police intervened and a total of 30 suspects were arrested," the police said in a statement, adding that four officers were injured.
Several violent protests took place in the Netherlands against health restrictions, most notably in Rotterdam in November.
The people were arrested in particular for disturbing public order, assault, possession of a prohibited weapon, and failure to respect the police, added the police.
At least two protesters were injured, local media reported.
Evacuation by force
Riot police were deployed and some officers had to use force when protesters refused to leave the square despite a warning, police said.
“This is Holland!
Power to the people!
», Chanted one of the demonstrators.
Protesters then proceeded to the Westerpark.
The right-wing populist party "Forum voor Democratie (FVD)" launched its municipal election campaign there, according to Belgian media.
Health restrictions are strict in the Netherlands.
A new confinement was imposed on the population there a week before Christmas in the face of a new wave of Covid-19 and the spread of the Omicron variant.
All non-essential shops, restaurants, bars, cinemas, museums and theaters are closed until January 14 and schools until at least January 9.
Outside, only gatherings of two people are allowed, with exceptions such as funerals.
But no restriction on movement has been decided.
