Against Lockdown, More Than 100 Protesters Detained By Dutch Police

Illustration. (Max Bender / Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Dutch police have arrested more than 100 protesters in clashes that broke out between protesters against lockdowns and police on Sunday, January 24 local time.

The demonstration was held in front of the Museum Square, Amsterdam. This is said to have violated the rules of public meetings. The police had to use water cannons, sniffer dogs and even on horseback policemen to disperse the masses who were throwing stones and fireworks.

The protesters were said to be mobilized by restaurant owners fed up with the long-term lockdown in the Netherlands. They carried banners that read 'Stop Locking'. It is known that the lockdown caused culinary businessmen to suffer a severe blow.

The Mayor of Amsterdam Femke Halsema previously designated the square area as a high-risk zone, giving the police full authority to control security, order and prevent the spread of the corona virus.

"Police secured the square area after people ignored instructions to return home and detained those who attacked them with stones and fireworks in nearby streets," said a statement from the Amsterdam Mayor's Office.

Earlier, the Dutch Parliament approved a curfew on voting. This was done to anticipate a spike in cases of COVID-19 infection due to the new variant from England.

This curfew is in effect until February 9, except for medical emergencies, people doing important work and people carrying dogs for walks. Violators of this rule were fined 95 euros.