Europe’s anti-mask and anti-lockdown protests: More than 50,000 rally in Berlin and London to protest against coronavirus lockdown restrictions

Thousands of anti-mask, anti-lockdown protesters turn out in Europe’s big cities including Berlin and London to protest against government coronavirus measures. According to German newspaper Deutsche Welle, German authorities estimate that some 38,000 people took part in a march that split into two main groups.

Protesters gathered in front of Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on Saturday for the latest rally against coronavirus restrictions. Tense moments were filmed as some protesters verbally confronted police officers deployed at the site. Thousands of people reportedly signed up to attend the rally against coronavirus measures before it was banned by city authorities over health concerns earlier this week.

Police in Berlin later broke up the protest and arrested 300 people after demonstrators failed to social distance and wear masks, as other European cities held similar “anti-COVID” marches. According to a report from BBC, Police ordered the first group near the Unter den Linden to leave for violating safety rules. The Police then arrested 200 after rocks and bottles were thrown.

The second group of about 30,000 met peacefully west of the Brandenburg gate to hear speeches from, among others, the nephew of President John F Kennedy. In a post on Twitter, Berlin police said:

“Unfortunately, we have no other option. All the measures taken so far have not led to compliance with the conditions.”

Some 20 Articles of the German Constitution are being violated by the restrictions imposed to tackle coronavirus, according to the newspaper, citing the Stuttgart-based group. Deutsche Welle said the group wanted the restrictions to be lifted. Below is how the paper describes the protesters in Germany.

Particularly popular is the motto of conspiracy theorist Heiko Schrang — “realize, wake up, change” — or slogans like “Don’t give Bill Gates a chance,” “End the muzzle!” or “No compulsory vaccinations!”

The protests are not limited to Berlin, Germany. Thousands also came out to protest in London and Denmark with some of the anti-lockdown protesters calling coronavirus a ‘hoax.’

Dubbed “Unite for Freedom”, the demo intends to push for easing on measures related to the battle against the pandemic, such as the wearing of masks, movement restrictions, and mandatory vaccines.​

https://twitter.com/TheSpeaker2018/status/1299723727798562817

Below is a video of protesters in London.

https://youtu.be/spRFkh8B1YQ?t=572