Thousands march in Berlin against mandatory masks and Covid-19 measures

 Robert F Kennedy Jr in Berlin - 28 August, 2020

Thousands of people assembled in the German capital to rally against anti-coronavirus restrictions, describing the measures as undemocratic and a threat to freedom. 

Around 15,000 protesters took part in the event, dubbed ‘The end of the pandemic  – freedom day’, according to German media, citing a police estimate.

The crowd marched through downtown Berlin as they held up signs featuring slogans such as “We are being forced to wear a muzzle,” “Natural defense instead of vaccination,” and “We are making noise because you are stealing our freedom!”

Demonstrators march in Berlin, Germany, August 1, 2020. ©  REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch

One demonstrator even carried a placard with a red cross modified to look like a swastika.

A demonstrator holds a banner in Berlin, Germany, August 1, 2020. ©  REUTERS/Christian Mang

Photographs and videos show many of the demonstrators marching without masks. Police monitoring the event used bullhorns to urge attendees to wear face coverings and abide by social distancing guidelines.

The protest attracted a variety of activists, including right-wing elements spotted carrying Germany’s imperial flag. Several small counter-protests were also held in the city. Some of the mask-clad counter-protesters held signs accusing their political opponents of harboring fascist and anti-Semitic views.

Counter-protesters in Berlin ©  REUTERS/Christian Mang

Germany has seen an increase in new coronavirus cases in recent weeks. Overall, though, the country has experienced a lower number of cases – especially regarding the death rate – than some other European countries. The country has eased its lockdown restrictions but still requires masks on public transport and in shops. Many other nations and US states have adopted similar guidelines, sparking fierce debate about the efficacy of such measures. For example, while the UK recently instituted mandatory mask rules, the Netherlands has advised against widespread mask use, claiming their effectiveness has not been proven.

https://www.rt.com/news/496852-berlin-protest-coronavirus-masks-germany/

Crowds of lockdown-weary Brits gathered in London at a ‘Unite for Freedom’ rally to protest the Covid-19 measures, an event quickly dubbed a gathering of “conspiracy loons” for its strong message against restrictions and mandates.

People began gathering in London’s Trafalgar Square around noon and then marched to the Houses of Parliament to show opposition to the ongoing shutdowns, introduced as part of the UK’s response to the pandemic. 

©  REUTERS/Henry Nicholls

The rally, called under the slogans of “No More Lockdowns – No Social Distancing – No Masks,” among others, attracted more than 10,000 people aghast at the looming prospect of another lockdown being introduced, as talk of pandemic’s “second wave” dominates the media.

https://www.rt.com/uk/499430-unite-for-freedom-london-coronavirus/