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Protests Against COVID Lockdowns Flare Up in 2021 Around the World

protests against COVID lockdowns

At the end of last year, there were large public demonstrations opposing severe restrictions on civil liberties, including in Germany1 2 and Great Britain.3 In Denmark, there was a public protest against proposed legislation that would mandate COVID-19 vaccination.4 There is increasing civil unrest in many countries after a year of experiencing the crippling side effects of government public health policies that have restricted autonomy and freedom of assembly5 6 and caused mass unemployment and destruction of small businesses,7 8 9steep increases in substance abuse, depression and suicide,10 11 12 13 and inadequate treatment for other diseases like cancer.14 15

Since the beginning of 2021,16 demonstrations calling for an end to COVID lockdowns and voluntary vaccination have spanned the globe from Canada17 to the Netherlands18 and Lebanon.19 February and March 2021 saw anti-lockdown protests in Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Bulgaria, Serbia, Poland20 and other countries.

Netherlands: ‘Love, Freedom, Stop Dictatorship’

In January 2021, the government of Netherlands instituted strict lockdown rules that banned gatherings of more than two people, shut bars and restaurants and imposed a 9 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. curfew, the first since the Nazi’s issued orders to Dutch citizens to “stay at home” during World War II. People who break the curfew face a 95 Euro ($115) fine. Schools and “non essential” shops have been closed since December 2020.21

On Jan. 24, 2021, the police used water cannons and dogs to disperse hundreds of protesters opposed to curfews. Tear gas was fired on a crowd of several hundred protesters in Eindhoven, where there were reports of looting and at least 30 arrests and a COVID testing center was burned in the city of Urk.22 In early March, a test center in another city near Amsterdam was the scene of a pipe bomb explosion.23

On Mar. 14, 2021, Dutch riot police broke up a crowd of several thousand anti-lockdown protesters gathered at The Hague. Water cannon, batons and dogs were used by police after protesters violated social distancing rules and disregarded warnings to disperse. Holding yellow umbrellas and chanting, “love, freedom, stop dictatorship,” about 20 people reportedly were detained by police and two demonstrators were injured.24

Ireland: ‘Let Ireland Live’

On Feb. 17, 2021, hundreds of people gathered in Dublin carrying signs like “End the Lockdown” and “Let Ireland Live’ and clashed with police, resulting in 23 arrests. The demonstration was held after the government extended the country’s third lockdown until April, which meant that all non-essential businesses, restaurants, pubs and gyms would remain shut, with the government recommending people stay at home and placing a three-mile travel limit on movements.25

On St. Patrick’s Day and on Mar. 20, 2021, the Irish police (Gardai) arrested a number of demonstrators for violating pandemic public health restrictions on public gatherings.26 The majority were not wearing face masks and some carried banners opposing mandatory COVID vaccinations.

Denmark: 1200 Rally Against Lockdown Restrictions

On Feb. 28, 2021, eight demonstrators were arrested in Copenhagen, Denmark in front of the Town Hall during a mostly peaceful anti-lockdown rally attended by a crowd of about 1200 people. Organized by “Men in Black,” it was the first protest since the government announced the extension of many COVID health restrictions to Apr. 4, which includes the closure of bars, restaurants and most secondary schools and universities. Danish police said the eight demonstrators were arrested for rowdy behavior and using fireworks during the protest.27

Sweden: First Protest Opposing New Public Health Rules

Unlike most other European countries, Sweden did not lockdown at the beginning of the COVID pandemic and there were few social distancing restrictions through most of 2020.28 However, when COVID cases began to rise in later in the year, the government instituted stricter rules.

On Mar. 6, 2021, Swedish police broke up a rally of hundreds of people who had assembled in Stockholm to demonstrate against COVID public health restrictions.29 The rally, which was the first to protest the country’s new public health laws restricting movement, was organized by Freedom Sweden, a citizen group that maintains the new laws violate human freedom.

Switzerland: Protest Against “Dictatorial Powers”

On Mar. 6, 2021, 4,000 Swiss citizens walked peacefully in the town of Chur, Switzerland carrying banners in a protest against use of “dictatorial powers” by the government to implement restrictive COVID public health policies that include the continued closure of bars and restaurants. In Zurich, police reportedly dispersed several public gatherings that violated the 15 person gathering limit outside (five people limit inside buildings).30

Greece: Lockdown Fatigue Fuels Protests

During the month of March, dozens of demonstrations took place in Athens and other cities in Greece against strict COVID lockdown measures that have included nightly curfews and police patrols on university campuses. There also have been riots protesting police brutality related to enforcement of social distancing rules.

One politician in Greece alleged the government is “taking advantage of the pandemic as a pretext to impose harsh measures, restrict democratic rights and freedoms, and advance an agenda that is damaging the public interest.”31

Australia: This All Ends When We Say NO!

On Feb. 13, 2021, health officials in Victoria, Australia put into effect a hard “circuit breaker” five-day lockdown and told citizens “you cannot leave your home unless you are doing it for 1 of 4 reasons: shopping for necessary goods and services; care and caregiving;” exercise; and essential work.”32

Protests across Melbourne against the new restrictions resulted in several arrests. The protesters urged Australians to “make your voices heard” because, they said, the people cannot endure another lockdown. One demonstrator held a sign that said, “This All Ends When We Say NO!”33

Canada: March of the Rebellious and Walk for Freedom

On Mar. 13, 2021 in Quebec, Canada, thousands of people chanting “liberte” held a “March of the Rebellious” in opposition to Canada’s COVID strict curfews and other lockdown measures.34 The demonstrators asked the Quebec government to support the need for all its COVID-19 health regulations with published scientific reports and “allow people to make informed decisions about vaccines.” Several people were arrested and tickets issued for failure to wear masks or social distance.

Hundreds of Canadians in the province of Alberta participated in a “Walk for Freedom” demonstration in Calgary on Mar. 20, 2021. Like the protest in Quebec, their goal was to communicate opposition to ongoing pandemic public health restrictions.35 No tickets were issued or arrests were made.

Several hundred residents of North Bay in Ontario, Canada gathered at the North Bay waterfront holding banners that said “No More Lockdowns” and “No Vaccines” and called for an end to pandemic lockdowns and restoration of people’s freedoms.36

Germany: ‘We Are the People’

On Mar. 20, more than 20,000 German citizens rallied in protest against pandemic lockdown restrictions in the city of Kassel, clashing with police in riot gear. Many of the protesters were chanting “Wir sind das Volk”—“We are the people”—a slogan that was used by protesters calling for and to the Berlin Wall and communist East Germany.37

According to Deutsche Welle (DW), some protesters tried to break through a police barrier and police used mace and batons in scuffles with protesters and then used water cannon to disperse some demonstrators outside the area authorized for the rally. Police had warned that the demonstration would be broken up if protesters did not wear masks or social distance.38

Britain: ‘Stop Destroying Our Kids Lives’

On Mar. 20, 2021, 10,000 British citizens holding banners with slogans like “Stop Destroying our Kids Lives” and “Fake Pandemic” marched in London against COVID pandemic rules that prohibit groups to gather together and engage in public protests for any reason.39 A number of demonstrators were arrested for violating pandemic restrictions on public protests.

According to AP/AFP, the march took place after “more than 60 lawmakers signed a letter demanding that the government change the law and allow protests to take place even when pandemic restrictions bar other types of gatherings.” The letter was coordinated by Liberty and Big Brother Watch, two civil rights groups.40

There also were demonstrations in Newcastle and Manchester. According to Britain’s Daily Mail, hundreds of protesters in Manchester marched to police headquarters, characterizing the COVID lockdown as a “crime against humanity,” while one of the groups marching through the center of London, Jam For Freedom, emphasized the need to avoid violence, reportedly instructing its members to: ‘Stay tight, stay aware, stay peaceful and polite.’41

France: Thousands Ignore New Lockdown Rules

On the weekend of Mar. 20, 2021, thousands of protesters gathered in Marseille and Paris to oppose new COVID lockdown orders announced by the government. Many Parisians ignored the order and gathered outdoors in parks and promenades to enjoy the warm spring weekend, while more than 6,500 gathered in Marseille to attend a rule-breaking street carnival.42

Under the new restrictions in France, people are not required to spend most of the day confined at home, but “non-essential” shops are closed and people’s movements are confined to a six-mile radius from their home residence.

Finland: ‘Let the people speak!”

On Mar. 20, about 400 people without masks marched through city streets to the parliament building in Helsinki, Finland carrying signs like “Let the people speak!” and “Facts and numbers don’t add up.” Police said the marchers protesting the government’s COVID restrictions violated social distancing requirements and crowd limits on public gatherings but was peaceful.43

Romania: Parents, protect your children!

Romania’s capital of Bucharest saw more than a thousand protesters opposing mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations. According to an AP/AFP report, “the largely maskless crowd honked horns, waved national flags and chanted messages such as ‘Block vaccination’ and ‘Freedom.’ One placard read: “Parents, protect your children! Stop the fear!” 44


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Click here to view References:

1 Fisher BL. Biggest Anti-Lockdown Freedom Day Protest Held in Berlin. The Vaccine Reaction Aug. 3, 2020.
2 Fisher BL. German Police Fire Water Cannons at Lockdown Protesters and Arrest Hundreds. The Vaccine Reaction Nov. 23, 2020.
3 Fisher BL. Major Protests in Berlin and London Opposing Forced Masking and Lockdowns. The Vaccine Reaction Aug. 31, 2020.
4 Lee M. Denmark Citizens Refuse Law Mandating Forced COVID-19 Vaccine. The Vaccine Reaction Nov. 23, 2020.
5 Napolitano AP. Coronavirus fear lets government assault our freedom in violation of Constitution. Fox News Mar. 19, 2020.
6 Harris J. You don’t have to be a lockdown sceptic to worry about how Covid is being policed. The Guardian Jan. 10, 2021.
7 Associated Press. Job losses from coronavirus pandemic 4 times as bad as global financial crisis of ’09, UN report says. KTLA5 Jan. 25, 2021.
8 The Economist. What is the economic cost of covid-19? Jan. 9, 2021.
9 Elliott L. A year of Covid lockdowns has cost the UK economy 251B pounds, study says. The Guardian Mar. 22, 2021.
10 Sparks H. Alarming rise in alcohol abuse during COVID pandemic, study finds. New York Post Feb. 18, 2021.
11 Budryk Z. Mental health ratings sink to new low: Gallup. The Hill Dec. 7, 2020.
12 McDonald K. Youth Depression, Suicide Increasing During Pandemic Response. Foundation for Economic Education Jan. 27, 2021.
13 Leicester J. Global rise in childhood mental health issues amid pandemic. Associated Press Mar. 12, 2021.
14 Davies J. Cancer deaths may rise for the first time in decades in the UK because of the backlog of cases built over the Covid pandemic, charities warn. Daily Mail Mar. 16, 2021.
15 Wooler S, Leathem X, Sultan K. The lethal fallout: A year of Covid pandemic curbs will leave “lasting scars” on the NHS….as these patients reveal the adverse effect lockdowns had on them. Daily Mail Mar. 21, 2021.
16 Carstensen J. European Governments Worry Violent Anti-Lockdown Protests Could Spread. CNS News Jan. 27, 2021.
17 Robertson B. Toronto sees another weekend of arrests at multiple anti-lockdown protests. blogTO Jan. 24, 2021.
18 Didili Z. Mass anti-lockdown protest in Amsterdam. New Europe Jan. 18. 2021.
19 Dadouch S, Durgham N. Anti-lockdown protests erupt in Lebanon as the unemployed clash with security forces. The Washington Post Jan. 28, 2021.
20 Pleasance C. Paris says NON to lockdown: Streets and parks are packed with people enjoying the spring sunshine despite draconian new Covid restrictions. Daily Mail Mar. 22, 2021.
21 Carr J. Youths torch Dutch Covid testing centre and an effigy of Danish PM goes up in flames amid fiery anti-lockdown protests across Europe. Daily Mail Jan. 24, 2021.
22 Ibid.
23 Bradley S. How the Netherlands anti-lockdown movement turned violent. The Week Mar. 4, 2021.
24 Reuters. Dutch Police Break up Anti-Lockdown Protest Ahead of Election. U.S. News & World Report Mar. 14, 2021.
25 Baibhawi R. ‘Let Ireland Live:’ Police, Protesters Clash at Andi-lockdown Demonstrations in Dublin. Republic World Mar. 1, 2021.
26 Roscommon Herald. Gardai make arrests after anti-lockdown protesters march through Dublin. Mar. 20, 2021.
27 AFP. Eight arrested at anti-lockdown protest in Denmark. The Guardian Feb. 28, 2021.
28 Raines K. Sweden’s Different Response to COVID-19 Based on Mutual Respect and Trust. The Vaccine Reaction May 18, 2020.
29 Associated Press. Hundreds in Stockholm protest Sweden’s virus restrictions. The Star Mar. 6, 2021.
30 MENAFN. Switzerland – Anti-government protests continue over Covid policy. Mar. 6, 2021.
31 Gatopoulos D. Greece: “Lockdown fatigue” blamed for fueling mass protests. Associated Press Mar. 12, 2021.
32 Neilsen I. Everything you need to know as Victoria’s five-day lockdown kicks off. 9 News Feb. 13, 2021.
33 Neilsen I. Hundreds gather in Melbourne CBD to protest COVID-19 lockdown. 9News (AU) Feb. 13, 2021.
34 Maratta AS. Thousands protest Quebec’s COVID-19 lockdown measures, several arrests made: Montreal police. Global News Mar. 17, 2021.
35 Wilson J. COVID-19: Calgary rally joins worldwide anti-lockdown protests. Global News Mar. 20, 2021.
36 Rangione R. North Bay residents rally for end to COVID lockdowns and return to normalcy. Toronto Star Mar. 22, 2021.
37 Jones T. Germany: Anti-lockdown protest turns violent in Kassel. Deutsche Welle (DW) Mar. 20, 2021.
38 Ibid.
39 Reuters. Scuffles and Arrests as Anti-Lockdown Protesters March Through London. US News & World Report Mar. 20, 2021.
40 AP/AFP. Anti-lockdown protests erupt across Europe as tempers fray over tightening restrictions. France 24 Mar. 21, 2021.
41 Gant J, Davies J. Police confront thousands of maskless anti-lockdown protesters in London as MPs call for Priti Patel to allow demonstrations during pandemic in wake of Sarah Everard vigil. Daily Mail Mar. 20, 2021.
42 Pleasance C. Paris says NON to lockdown: Streets and parks are packed with people enjoying the spring sunshine despite draconian new Covid restrictions. Daily Mail Mar. 22, 2021.
43 AP/AFP. Anti-lockdown protests erupt across Europe as tempers fray over tightening restrictions. France 24 Mar. 21, 2021.
44 Ibid.

23 Responses

  1. And then they all went home again and did just as they were told.

    Demos R a waste of energy and will be used by the PTB to crack down even harder.

    STOP PAYING TAXES. TAKE OFF THE MASKS. REFUSE TO FOLLOW ANY COVID RESTRICTIONS – THEN WE MIGHT GET SOMEWHERE!

    1. Yes the real power is showing the government that we still have the power! Even to refuse anything in mass has won many times in history!

  2. Your numbers quoted are way too low, People in the UK reported 70,000 marching/demonstrating in London alone, unquestionably the largest demo in the world that day.

    Further you could have added the world wide demos were coordinated and 40 countries participated. Unlike in the US people protesting covered multiple political positions where the movement for Health Freedom has been divided between right wing and liberal forgetting the history where there was more unity between political ideologies for health freedom choices. This unity is what pushed through the DSHEA regs in 1996?, a virtually unanimous vote in Congress.

  3. Lockdowns, social distancing, masks and vaccines are the recipe for illness. I have always engaged in the proactive approach to wellness.

    Morning and daytime sun, buying locally-sourced real food, connecting with people, spending time in nature, avoiding media-based fear and lies, meditating, and minimal use of electronic devices work wonders for natural immunity.

    And I’ve come to this conclusion because government, big Pharma, and high tech have brilliantly used the controlled media to impoverish, confuse, and divide people. Thankfully, people are finally beginning to wake up and shine a light on this corporate fascist takeover.

  4. Love it! We were part of the march in Calgary on Mar. 20th. There were more like a thousand of us, not just a ‘few hundred’. Any counternarrative gets belittled and dissed. We no longer pay any attention to the ‘covid rules’, because it doesn’t.

  5. There is little time left for those of us who want to, and have EVERY right to, decide for ourselves and our families any medical intervention! In the name of COVID-19, our freedoms have been stripped away and, like sheep, many people have obeyed! Believing that the government has the health of the citizens at heart, many people will not believe that there is any malfeasance in the actions taken! Pay attention and do whatever you can to stop the madness!!

  6. Thanks m goodness I am not alone in thinking this is the biggest hoax ever and Bill Gates is getting away with crimes against humanity, while humans act like Lemmings. Stay healthy and deal with it like we do the flu, lockdowns have caused more damage to people, lives, relationships and the economy than any bug could ever do. ?

  7. Most people are so afraid of dying that they forget it doesn’t matter in the long run. Giving into the the fear of death will always shorten your life either by refusing to go out and live it freely or by a sooner than needed death. Even the idiots running the fake pandemic are gonna die and in that comes no sorrow.

  8. About the March 6 Sweden protest:

    I was not there, but I’ve seen a video online — of the protest-event — recorded “live” by a protester who was there apparently for the entire several-hours-long protest-and-march.

    The video — which was edited (I presume for time) — was extensive and lasted (as I recall) for maybe 30-45 minutes. I watched the whole thing — and then saw some of the Swedish media’s “news coverage” of the event:

    The media’s “news coverage” — at least that I saw — made claims that the event was basically plagued by violence by the protestors and that the event was attended by only a minimal “hundreds”.

    There are even videos, on Youtube, that focus on violent incidents that were reportedly part of the event

    I can tell you that what I observed — from the extensive “live” online video — was that the protest and march appeared to me to be extensively peaceful and that that peacefulness extended for (apparently) hours. Of course maybe the edited-out parts showed otherwise — but I was struck by the low-key and basically respectful attitude of the hordes of apparently of average, everyday Swedes.

    Plus, to my estimation, based on what I saw in the video, the crowd of people numbered not in “the hundreds” but of maybe ONE OR TWO (OR MORE) THOUSAND people.

    And so it goes.

  9. LET’S GET BACK TO NORMAL LIVING. REFUSE BEING VACCINATED AND LOCKDOWNS. TOO MANY PEOPLE ARE SUFFERING AND DYING FROM THE VACCINE.

    1. Lockdowns cause a lot of damages emotionally, financially and mentally. What’s their motivation of lockdowns?? It really seems they want us to avoid natural immunity. That’s how I see. True wellness isn’t based on vaccination status. I’m getting real sick of the governor of the state where I reside in.

  10. I feel like we need to band together here in the U.S. I haven’t heard of any such movements but would really like to. Then if it’s not too far from my home I’d like to be involved in a peaceful protest or March.

  11. The good thing about these protests is that we now have all these people on video and can ban them from entering any public building.

  12. We should all ask for the arrest of Bill Gates, Anthony Fauci and all others corrupted Politicians and Doctors that knowingly are ignoring the Hypocrates OATH they took at the end of the Medical school. All of these persons are committing GENOCIDE at a Planetary scale. They’re monetary funds should be blocked and all of them jailed and judged at the Nuremberg Tribunal!
    Shame on them for playing “ GODS”!

    No matter what, they eventually, will suffer the same pain that are inflicting now on others…

  13. ‘Million Maskless March’ And Mass Mask Burning Planned In Florida. A fed-up Floridian is calling for a million state residents to march on April 10 to “mark that date with a celebration of freedom.”

  14. They have to perpetuate the “state of emergency” and the lockdowns to keep pushing the vaccine agenda. Remember, this vaccine has only been granted authorized use while there is an emergency state put in place. If they lift the emergency measure they will no longer be able to push the vaccine. This is all part of their strategy.

  15. Getting to the bottom of this is key. We need to understand why this is happening.
    This is not an end in itself, but rather a means to an end. This has been an exercise in bringing the whole world together and down with one threat. It has created a climate of fear and suspicion and forced compliance. Force is antithetical to love and truth. Who would be anti-love and anti-truth?

  16. Stop buying goods from AMAZON and other Davos supporters and BIg Businesses in general.

    One can do WITHOUT many material things. people have become lazy and Ibeleive that when you add in trasnport costs etc., that Amazon is n ot that cheap at all. THe Owner is cheap in the way he abuses his workers and the Public, and workers are on such low pay that they are forced to apply to the USA Gov’t Health and other assistance schemes. So the USA Taxpayer is footing the bill once more. While Bezos smirks at the trillions he has made since the PLandemic began.

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