Police Disband Mass Berlin Protest Against Virus Curbs

Unfortunately, we have no other option. All the measures taken so far have not led to compliance with the conditions: Police; first US coronavirus reinfection case identified in Nevada study

Berlin police on Saturday disbanded a mass protest in the German capital against coronavirus curbs a few hours after it had begun after marchers failed to heed their orders to keep their distance and wear masks.

The protest came as infections rise across Europe, with similar protests during the day in Paris and elsewhere.

“Unfortunately, we have no other option,” Berlin police said on Twiter. “All the measures taken so far have not led to compliance with the conditions.”

A police spokesman said the protesters were dispersing peacefully, though the police also reported on Twiter pockets of disturbance, such as a construction container fire and blocked roads.

Police, who deployed 3,000 officers to control crowds estimated at 18,000, had been preparing for possible violence as activists opposed to the virus measures urged social media followers across Europe to arm themselves and gather in Berlin.

Earlier this week the city banned the protest but a German regional court overnight gave the final go-ahead by overruling the earlier decision.