Massive Violence Erupts in Netherlands over Curfew
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
(Worthy News) – The Netherlands was edging closer to near civil war Monday as police clashed with protestors defying the nation’s first curfew since World War Two.
More than 150 people were detained in rallies against new government-imposed coronavirus restrictions officially to halt the coronavirus pandemic.
Monday also saw the third night of riots, which began over the weekend in several towns such as Urk, known for its many churches and fishing community.
Youth torched a coronavirus testing facility in Urk while expressing anger about the coronavirus restrictions.
On Monday, in port city Rotterdam, police fired warning shots and tore gas after an emergency order issued by the mayor failed to move demonstrators.
There was also violence reported in the Dutch capital Amsterdam and several other cities and towns. Cars were burning, and shops were attacked and looted.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte condemned what he called “criminal violence.” “This has nothing to do with fighting for freedom,” the Liberal leader told reporters.
He claimed the coronavirus measures are needed to “win back our freedom.”
The sea-fearing country has had nearly one million confirmed COVID-19 cases since the start of the outbreak, according to health authorities.
More than 13,500 Dutch people died of, or with, the coronavirus on a population of more than 17 million people, according to Johns Hopkins University in the U.S., which is tracking the pandemic. Most of the victims were elderly with underlying health conditions.
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