In Sweden and various European capitals, thousands are protesting against the EU’s new vaccine passport
Across several European capitals, including Sweden’s Stockholm and Gothenburg, thousands of protesters gathered on January 22, Saturday, to oppose the EU’s new vaccine pass, which requires citizens to be boosted against covid-19, according to several Swedish media. As many as 3,000 demonstrators marched through central Stockholm and gathered in Stora torget to demonstrate against the new covid-19 vaccine certificates. The march was arranged by the Freedom Movement – or Freedom Movement, reported the SVT broadcaster.
In Athens, Helsinki, London, Paris Stockholm and other parts, marchers demanded that the new rules be abolished because they hampered the lives of those who refused to receive the booster dose of the covid-19 vaccine. European covid-19 rules prevent unvaccinated citizens from entering public places, transporting or boarding domestic flights. Vaccine-resistant people are banned from sporting events, bars, cinemas and other leisure facilities without exception.
Protesters gather to demonstrate against the measures against the coronavirus, including the vaccine passport, in Stockholm, Sweden. [Credit: Fredrik Persson/TT News Agency via AP]
Security officials warn protesters of “violent behavior”
In Sweden, a vaccine certificate is required to participate in indoor events with more than 50 people. Angry anti-waxers gathered in Sweden with rhymes and banners criticizing the government’s policy. Protesters were joined by the neo-Nazi Nordic Resistance Movement, a group widely known for violent behavior, Swedish media reported. Security forces issued verbal warnings to right-wing extremists not to engage in clashes with police. The protest remained largely peaceful with no incidents of fighting or rioting.
In Gothenburg, Sweden’s second largest city, a similar crowd of 1,000 people protested strongly against the vaccine mandate. Meanwhile, about 4,000 people demonstrated in the Finnish capital Helsinki, while there were no immediate reports of violence. Earlier last month, the Finnish government introduced strict measures to increase vaccination coverage as it emphasized the importance of third doses [booster shots].
Protesters march as they demonstrate against the measures against the coronavirus, including the vaccine passport, in Gothenburg, Sweden. [Credit: AP]
Authorities ordered the third dose under the Communicable Diseases Act to prevent the spread of the pandemic driven by the highly contagious variant B.1.1.529 Omicron. Premises such as bars, karaoke bars, nightclubs and other public places of recreation were identified as having a high risk of infection and therefore only the vaccinated members were allowed to use these facilities.
According to Svenska Dagbladet, 8,000-0,000 people gathered separately in Stockholm to protest against vaccinations when they waved placards that read: “Yes to freedom, no to covid-19 – passports.” France also witnessed large-scale anti-vaccine demonstrations against the country’s stricter COVID-19 passport, which forced the booster. French President Emmanuel Macron had previously used swear words to warn French anti-waxes, emphasizing that he would torture them by restricting their social lives if they refused vaccines.
Protesters, as opposed to vaccine passes and vaccinations, to protect against covid-19 shout slogans during a demonstration in Paris, France. [Credit: AP]
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Protesters march off Downing Street during an anti-vaccine protest in London. [Credit: AP]
People hold placards as they take part in a protest against vaccines in London. [Credit: AP]
Protesters march in front of parliament during a demonstration against the government in central Syntagma Square in Athens. Hundreds of protesters gathered to protest staff shortages in the state health sector and mandatory coronavirus vaccinations. [Credit: AP]