2 people shot, 51 arrested in Rotterdam’s violent Covid pass protests

The Hague, Nov 20 (EFE).- At least two people have sustained gunshot wounds after protests against Covid-19 measures descended into riots overnight in the Dutch city of Rotterdam.

 At least 51 people, half of whom are minors, were arrested during the riots, Rotterdam police said, referring to the protesters as “agitators.”

“Two agitators were injured when they were hit by a bullet. They are still in the hospital,” it said.

 “The National Criminal Investigation Department always investigates when the police shoot and is also investigating whether those injuries were caused by police bullets,” it added.

An officer has been hospitalized after sustaining a leg injury, while another agent received medical care on-site.

Police fired warning shots into the air as rioters torched cars and set off fireworks in the Dutch city.

Earlier in the day, Rotterdam mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb told a press conference that at least seven people were injured in the disturbances while another 20 were arrested.

Police in Rotterdam said the night-time protest was organized on social media. Demonstrators opposed a proposal by the government to tighten restrictions on unvaccinated people with a Covid-19 health pass.

Riot police used water cannons to disperse the rioters, who in turn threw stones and torched at least one police vehicle as well as a number of civilian vehicles in the city center.

City officials declared an emergency, prohibiting people from accessing certain stations and streets in central Rotterdam.