New Zealand police, on Wednesday, ended protests against vaccination in the capital over the past three weeks, dismantling a camp in front of Parliament, confiscating cars and arresting dozens, Reuters reported.
A few meters from the parliament building, several fires broke out between the tents. “Our police have been attacked, it has been an attack on our parliament, our values,” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said at a news conference. He said the protesters were given enough time and opportunity to leave before the demonstration was dismantled. In recent days, from Canadian truck demonstrations, hundreds of protesters blocked streets with trucks, cars and motorcycles in a demonstration that led to clashes.
In the end, the police pushed the remaining protesters with sponge balls. They also used sweet pepper spray against each other before taking control of the area around Parliament and the streets, eventually ending the protest.
Police said 50 vehicles were towed and 65 people were arrested for a number of offenses including trespassing, intentional damage and possession of weapons. At least three police officers were injured during the proceedings.
