The situation is tense in the Netherlands against the backdrop of an epidemic outbreak and a return of restrictions.
Police said they arrested fifteen people on Saturday night in a northern town after clashes between law enforcement and hundreds of people unhappy with the early closure of bars due to Covid-19.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced on Friday the reintroduction of partial containment with a series of health restrictions, notably affecting the restaurant sector, to cope with a record number of Covid-19 cases.
Bars and restaurants must close at 8:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. GMT), at least until December 4.
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Hundreds of people gathered after closing time in a square in downtown Leeuwarden, capital of the Friesland region, where they drank and sang on the steps of the courthouse, reported the Dutch public television NOS.
Water cannon in The Hague to disperse demonstrators
A large group of people were shooting fireworks and refusing to leave Leeuwarden town center after bars and restaurants were forced to close, police said on Twitter.
“The riot police carried out several charges in the center of Leeuwarden.
Fifteen arrests were also made, ”she added.
The new restrictions are politically sensitive, with police using a water cannon in The Hague on Friday to disperse protesters who were throwing stones and firing fireworks during a government press conference to announce the new measures.
Thousands of people had already demonstrated in The Hague last Sunday after the government announced the reintroduction of masks in certain public spaces.