New Zealand: Clashes and arrests during the evacuation of the anti-vaccine camp

Clashes broke out on Thursday near the New Zealand parliament in Wellington between police and anti-vaccine protesters against Covid-19, who had gathered for three days including More than 120 have been arrested.

And the security forces intervened to disperse this assembly and specifically to dismantle the impromptu camp that was set up near Parliament, while the activists sang a Maori haka while chanting. “fill positions” In the face of police advances.

The latter received punches and kicks while insulting them with slogans like “It’s not a democracy”And “shame on you” or “abandonment of commitment”.

The authorities closed down the parliament precinctsIt is a rare occurrence to prevent the demonstrators from receiving reinforcements.

Police advanced on the parliament building but retreated behind barricades in the late afternoon as protesters cheered and shouted victory.

The evacuation could take days according to Wellington Police Chief Cory Parnell, who accuses some activists of using children. Human shields to remove the police.

“It is unfortunate that although the square was officially closed to the public earlier today, a number of protesters are refusing repeated requests to leave the complex.”did he say.

That rally, which began on Tuesday, has echoed Freedom Caravan It began at the end of January by Canadian truck drivers to denounce the duty to vaccinate for crossing the border with the United States. Having left Vancouver, they have been besieging the capital, Ottawa, for a week and have inspired similar movements in other countries.

A hard core of demonstrators

In New Zealand, hundreds of motorhomes and trucks closed off Parliament District in Wellington on Tuesday. Most of them are gone after 24 hours but one Solid I was determined to stay there “as long as necessary”.

Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson said that the population’s patience with the disruption caused by this mobilization had run out and that the police had to intervene.

“City streets are closed, shops and businesses are closed, and people feel threatened and intimidated by some of the protesters.”He told Radio New Zealand, ahead of the police move, for which 100 reinforcements were sent.

Residents of the capital complained of being attacked Because they wore protective masks Many businesses close to Parliament had to close because their staff required health clearance checks.

compulsory vaccination

Wellington City Hall has warned that its agents will start issuing tickets to vehicles blocking streets as part of a rally against sanitation measures.

A woman, who declined to be named, accused the police of provoking the crowd. “It was a peaceful protest, what they did is a disgrace”.

“I never imagined seeing this in New Zealand”she added.

New Zealand has made vaccination against Covid-19 compulsory for people working in the health, police, education and defense sectors. Those who refuse risk dismissal. a Evidence of vaccination Required at restaurants, sporting events and religious services.

According to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, 96% of New Zealanders have been vaccinated..