NewsNew Zealand: Violence during evacuation of compulsory vaccination protest...

New Zealand: Violence during evacuation of compulsory vaccination protest camp

People in New Zealand have been protesting against compulsory vaccination for weeks and have set up a camp in front of the parliament building. The police then intervened with pepper spray and water cannons.

Wellington (AP) – Violent clashes broke out between police and protesters when authorities cleared a camp of anti-vaccination opponents in New Zealand.

Hundreds of officers in riot gear were deployed to break up the camp set up 23 days ago in front of Wellington’s Houses of Parliament.

The police also used fire hoses as water cannons and pepper spray during the action, while the demonstrators sprayed the officers with fire extinguishers and threw various objects at them, New Zealand media reported. At least three officers were injured, according to a statement. Demonstrators also set fire to tents in the afternoon. Thick black smoke rose from the makeshift camp.

Corona vaccination obligation for certain groups

“We are particularly concerned that those with good intentions are now outnumbered by those willing to use force,” said Police Commissioner Andrew Coster. About 60 protesters were arrested, reported the broadcaster Radio New Zealand. The police spoke of 38 arrests.

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, in the education sector, as well as in the correctional system 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. dpa

No Potato: No record for New Zealanders

Big disappointment for a couple in New Zealand: The dream of an entry in the Guinness Book of Records has fizzled out. This is due to the origin of a thick tuber.

Jana Campion wins the US Director's Guild Award

She is only the third woman to win the grand prize, after Kathryn Bigelow in 2010 and Chloé Zhao in 2021. The director was also recently awarded a Golden Globe.

Jane Campion wins the US Directors Guild Award

She is only the third woman to win the grand prize, after Kathryn Bigelow in 2010 and Chloé Zhao in 2021. The director was also recently awarded a Golden Globe.

"Absolutely disgraceful" scenes on Corona demos: Police allegedly attacked with acid

Violence at corona demonstrations is escalating more and more frequently – also in New Zealand. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern chooses harsh words.

Airstrip cleared of ash in Tonga

A New Zealand plane with relief supplies is on its way to the Polynesian islands. After the severe volcanic eruption in the Pacific, first support by sea is also expected.

More