Dutch police fire warning shots as Covid pass protests turn violent

The Hague, Nov 20 (EFE).- At least seven people were injured after protests against Covid-19 measures descended into riots overnight in the Dutch city of Rotterdam.

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

Rotterdam mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb told a press conference that at least seven people were injured in the disturbances while another 20 were arrested, although the number of casualties remains unclear.

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.

Rioters also threw stones at fire fighters and assaulted a journalist.

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

Rotterdam was the scene of violent anti-curfew protests at the beginning of the year.EFE

ir/jt