The police in New Zealand have begun to break up a protest against compulsory corona vaccination in front of Parliament in Wellington that has been going on for more than three weeks. Hundreds of officers in riot gear have been deployed since early Wednesday morning (local time) to evacuate the camp set up in front of the parliament building 23 days ago. There were also clashes, the police said. At least three officers were injured.
“We are particularly concerned that those with good intentions are now outnumbered by those willing to use force,” said Police Chief Andrew Coster. About 60 protesters were arrested, reported the broadcaster Radio New Zealand. The police also used pepper spray during the eviction, while the demonstrators sprayed the officers with fire extinguishers.
On February 8, thousands of demonstrators – apparently inspired by the visually powerful protests by angry truck drivers in Ottawa, Canada – went to Parliament in a convoy of trucks to express their displeasure with the strict corona rules in the Pacific state. Among other things, they set up tents on the site. Just a few days later, the police tried to clear the camp for the first time and arrested dozens of participants.
In New Zealand, there is a corona vaccination requirement for certain occupational groups, including health workers, firefighters, education workers, law enforcement and the military. Employees who do not get vaccinated face termination. Proof of vaccinations are also required in cafés and restaurants, at church services and in the gym.