The Netherlands faced a second night of riots on Saturday over the introduction of new restrictions to curb the spread of Covid-19, leading to dozens of arrests across the country, while protests broke out elsewhere in Europe after authorities imposed further measures to counter the virus.
Dutch authorities deployed mounted police, dogs and water cannon after protesters in three provinces set fires and threw fireworks, in the worst outburst of violence in the country since a full lockdown led to widespread disorder at the start of the year.
The protests were sparked by plans to restrict the use of the Covid pass to those who have either been vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19. Previously it also covered people with a negative test result. A ban on fireworks for New Year’s Eve celebrations also roused anger.