Dozens of arrests during the struggle against the Govt-19 restrictions

First change: 03/02/2022 – 22:54

The arrests came amid fires in several tents and clashes between protesters and police, ending three weeks of protests near the New Zealand Parliament.

Protesters, who had rejected the Govt-19 vaccination order, were expelled shortly after Prime Minister Jacinta Ardern reiterated that it was time to end the mobilization.

“This is an attack on our leading police force, this is an attack on our parliament, this is an attack on our values ​​and it is wrong,” Artern told a news conference about the protest.

The head of government assured that the authorities would continue after the activists extended the deadline for their withdrawal, adding that the protest was provoked by misinformation and conspiracy theories.

“It was an illegal occupation. During the occupation they had hostile, violent and aggressive behaviors. Today the disgraceful occupation of the Parliament premises has reached its climax,” Artern added.

At least 65 people were arrested

On Wednesday, March 2, 65 people were arrested for trespassing, intentionally damaging and possessing prohibited weapons, according to police. Also, three police officers were injured and 50 vehicles were detained by officers.

The government described how some protesters set up their tents and left, while others insulted security forces by throwing water bottles, fire extinguishers and chairs in defiance of orders.

The police said that the rubber bullets used to drive the remaining protesters. They used pepper spray before seizing control of the grounds and streets around Parliament House in Wellington to end the struggle.

Inspired by Canada’s “Freedom Convoy” protest, hundreds of New Zealanders blocked the streets with trucks, cars and motorcycles, leading to clashes.

The struggle in Wellington began with the rejection of the requirement for compulsory vaccination, but was later joined by groups calling for an end to all restrictions on the epidemic.

“We are fighting for our quality of life. We want our sovereign right to decide our own bodies, “said Kate Seekert, a Member of the Knesset for Kadima.

Although New Zealand has a population of only five million, its strong measures against the epidemic have limited the number of epidemics to around 118,000 and 56 deaths, much lower than the statistics of other less populous developed countries.

According to official statistics, about 95% of those eligible receive at least two doses of the vaccine.

With Reuters and EFE