On Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, in Rotterdam, Netherlands, demonstrators protested against government restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic. As a result of this Police had to fire against rioters. Police fired warning shots, after which an open fire injured an unknown number of people.
Government’sGovernment’s plan to restrict the entry of unvaccinated people to some places was opposed by people on Friday night in downtown Rotterdam. In the open fire by Police on protesters, seven people were injured in riots that exploded in downtown Rotterdam around a demonstration against COVID-19 restrictions. The Dutch city’s mayor has stated it “an orgy of violence.”
Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb mentioned to reporters on Saturday morning that “on a number of occasions the police felt it necessary to draw their weapons to defend themselves” as rioters went out of control through the port city’s central shopping district, throwing rocks and fireworks at police officials.
On the other hand, after firing warning shots, Police had to further set open fire against protestors in which people were injured. Aboutaleb stated that he did not have details on the injuries. Also, the police officers were injured in the protest, further to which the Police arrested many people and expected to arrest more after watching video footage from security cameras.
It was also sighted in the photos from the scene that a police car was in flames, and also a bicycle was slammed through its windshield. The riots seemed to be the worst outbreak of violence in the Netherlands since coronavirus restrictions were first imposed for a year.
Justice Minister Ferd Grapperhaus condemned the events. Protesting is a great right in our society, but what we saw last night is simply criminal behaviour. It has nothing to do with demonstrating,” he added.
Police units from across the country rushed to Rotterdam to help control the Friday nighttime’s scenario. Local media stated that gangs of soccer hooligans were a part of the riots.
Source: CP24
