About 500 people protested against the government’s coronavirus measures on Sunday, an event which remained peaceful throughout. On Saturday however, 19 people were arrested after a protest turned violent, out of which five are now facing legal consequences for illegal weapons’ possession, sharing forbidden symbols, assault, and rebellion.
Minister Kox underlined that investigations into Saturday’s unrests are underway and that more people could still face charges. Nevertheless, he considered the weekend successful given that all of their objectives were more or less fulfilled: ensuring freedom of opinion and freedom to protests, but suppressing violence and riots. The Minister thus thanked the police for their commitment over the weekend.
When it comes to future protests or potential riots, the Greens’ politician stressed that the country is prepared to deal with further situations.
Social networks are being observed, he underlined. Throughout the pandemic, the government has respected the democratic process when taking decisions, which is why Minister Kox pleaded that people should distance themselves from those individuals that only join protests to cause violence. “Differences should be resolved in debates, not in the streets”, he concluded.
