Hundreds of people flouted France's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus?page=1">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;curfew over the weekend with underground parties in at least two cities, while police managed to prevent organisers from staging a mass rave in Paris, officials said Sunday.

On Saturday near the eastern city of Dijon, nearly 400 people gathered at an abandoned hangar before police managed to cut power to the sound system at around 2:00 am Sunday.

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Police also used tear gas to prevent dozens of others from trying to sneak in despite efforts to clear the premises.

Two people were detained, including the suspected organiser, and police issued 205 fines for non-respect of the nationwide curfew that starts at 7:00 pm.

"This event is totally irresponsible given the health crisis in the country," the government's top regional official Fabien Sudry told AFP.

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Another illegal party was discovered late Friday in Haut-Corlay, a village in the western Brittany region, that attracted some 500 people.

Despite a police intervention, many people stayed overnight at the site on Saturday as well, though all had left by Sunday morning, police said, adding that nearly 330 fines for Covid infractions were issued.

Police in Paris, meanwhile, thwarted a rave planned in an industrial zone near the city's southeastern edge, detaining three people including a suspected organiser for endangerment.

"These people would do better to stay home, and be patient a little bit longer," Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti told France Inter radio.

President Emmanuel Macron last week acknowledged the eagerness to exit the country's third virus lockdown as he announced a phased lifting of the restrictions over the next two months.

Secondary schools will reopen Monday and the nationwide curfew will be pushed back to 9 pm on May 19, when cafes and restaurants will be allowed to reopen for outdoor seating only.

Hundreds of people flouted France's coronavirus curfew over the weekend with underground parties in at least two cities, while police managed to prevent organisers from staging a mass rave in Paris, officials said Sunday.

Hundreds of people flouted France's coronavirus curfew over the weekend with underground parties in at least two cities, while police managed to prevent organisers from staging a mass rave in Paris, officials said Sunday. On Saturday near the eastern city of Dijon, nearly 400 people gathered at an abandoned hangar before police managed to cut power to the sound system at around 2:00 am Sunday. Also read | Thousands march in support of Brazil's Bolsonaro defying virus Police also used tear gas to prevent dozens of others from trying to sneak in despite efforts to clear the premises. Two people were detained, including the suspected organiser, and police issued 205 fines for non-respect of the nationwide curfew that starts at 7:00 pm. "This event is totally irresponsible given the health crisis in the country," the government's top regional official Fabien Sudry told AFP. Also read | May Day: Morris Dancers turn blue over racism concerns Another illegal party was discovered late Friday in Haut-Corlay, a village in the western Brittany region, that attracted some 500 people. Despite a police intervention, many people stayed overnight at the site on Saturday as well, though all had left by Sunday morning, police said, adding that nearly 330 fines for Covid infractions were issued. Police in Paris, meanwhile, thwarted a rave planned in an industrial zone near the city's southeastern edge, detaining three people including a suspected organiser for endangerment. "These people would do better to stay home, and be patient a little bit longer," Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti told France Inter radio. President Emmanuel Macron last week acknowledged the eagerness to exit the country's third virus lockdown as he announced a phased lifting of the restrictions over the next two months. Secondary schools will reopen Monday and the nationwide curfew will be pushed back to 9 pm on May 19, when cafes and restaurants will be allowed to reopen for outdoor seating only.

French police break up mass parties defying Covid curfew

Large-scale protests against England's remaining coronavirus resulted in injuries to eight officers and the arrest of five people, said police in London on Saturday. The demonstrators had gathered in early afternoon and marched along several major arterial roads including main shopping district Oxford Street.

Hundreds then rallied in Hyde Park later following the march, an AFP reporter said, where "small pockets of disorder" broke out, according to London's Metropolitan Police Service.

"Eight officers were injured as they worked to disperse crowds in Hyde Park this evening," it said, adding that missiles including bottles were thrown.&nbsp;

"Two officers were taken to hospital. Thankfully, they are not believed to be seriously injured.

"Five people were arrested for offences including assault on police and are now in custody." 
Britain began to gradually lift Covid-19 restrictions in March after months of restrictions and a successful mass vaccination campaign.&nbsp;

This month, pubs were allowed to serve customers outdoors and non-essentials shop were allowed to open. But a few curbs remained.

Organisers of the protest used online platforms and websites to appeal people to protest the pandemic measures.

Anti-lockdown protests by hundreds or even thousands have occurred sporadically during the pandemic, often resulting in a small number of arrests.&nbsp;

England's latest Covid-19 lockdown measures have been in place since early January, after the UK saw a surge in cases.

Months of restrictions alongside the successful vaccine rollout -- with more than 45 million doses administered -- has seen the situation improve.

Large-scale protests against England's remaining coronavirus resulted in injuries to eight officers and the arrest of five people, said police in London on Saturday.

Large-scale protests against England's remaining coronavirus resulted in injuries to eight officers and the arrest of five people, said police in London on Saturday. The demonstrators had gathered in early afternoon and marched along several major arterial roads including main shopping district Oxford Street. Hundreds then rallied in Hyde Park later following the march, an AFP reporter said, where "small pockets of disorder" broke out, according to London's Metropolitan Police Service. "Eight officers were injured as they worked to disperse crowds in Hyde Park this evening," it said, adding that missiles including bottles were thrown. "Two officers were taken to hospital. Thankfully, they are not believed to be seriously injured. "Five people were arrested for offences including assault on police and are now in custody." Britain began to gradually lift Covid-19 restrictions in March after months of restrictions and a successful mass vaccination campaign. This month, pubs were allowed to serve customers outdoors and non-essentials shop were allowed to open. But a few curbs remained. Organisers of the protest used online platforms and websites to appeal people to protest the pandemic measures. Anti-lockdown protests by hundreds or even thousands have occurred sporadically during the pandemic, often resulting in a small number of arrests. England's latest Covid-19 lockdown measures have been in place since early January, after the UK saw a surge in cases. Months of restrictions alongside the successful vaccine rollout -- with more than 45 million doses administered -- has seen the situation improve.

London: Anti-lockdown protests leads to five arrests, police injuries

Anti-lockdown protests and demonstrations have continued in some European countries as citizens grew tired of necessary by inconvenient coronavirus restrictions. While this is the case in some countries, others are witnessing bad weather forcing citizens to stay at home. Here's a look at situation

Denmark

Hundreds of people took to the streets of Copenhagen on Saturday night to protest Denmark's Covid-19 restrictions and the country's plans for a digital vaccination certificate. 
Organised by a group calling itself "Men in Black Denmark," some 600 people gathered in the bitter cold in front of the parliament building to protest the "dictatorship" of Denmark's partial lockdown.

Main target of people's anger was plan for digital vaccine "passport". Denmark is planning to develop a digital certificate of COVID-19 vaccination for travel.

It could also potentially be used for sports and cultural events as well as restaurants.

Protest organisers say such a passport implies an obligation to be vaccinated and amounts to a further restriction on individual freedom. Vaccination is not compulsory in Denmark.

Demonstrators, including some wearing hoods, marched with torches in the centre of the Danish capital, chanting "we have had enough" and "freedom for Denmark."

Protesters carried a picture of Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen made to look like North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un.

Switzerland

Some 500 protesters marched through the Swiss tax haven of Zug on Saturday (February 6), wearing white protective suits and chanting dystopian slogans to voice displeasure with rules aimed at limiting the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The demonstration was reminiscent of Vienna rally where thousands faced-off against police and opposed country's even-stricter lockdown.

Though Switzerland's restrictions have been less severe than those in Germany, Austria or Italy -- restaurants and non-essential shops are closed but ski areas are open -- there is still a steady buzz of opposition.

In Zug, police watched but did not intervene as a group of protesters filed from the train station to the centre of the lakeside city known for shell companies with letter-box addresses and attractive tax rates.

Netherlands

The Netherlands was set to enter an even stricter lockdown as forecasts of heavy snow and strong winds on Sunday triggered the country`s first nationwide weather alert in nine years.

The government on Saturday issued a plea for citizens to stay at home as national weather institute KNMI issued a "code red" for the entire country, warning that icy winds of up to 90 km (56 miles) per hour and up to 20 centimetres (8 inches) of snow could lead to hazardous snowdrifts on roads and limited visibility.

All coronavirus testing facilities will be closed on Sunday, health authorities said, while train services will be cut to a minimum level and major supermarkets cancelled deliveries after deciding it would be too dangerous to send drivers out.

(With agency inputs)

Anti-lockdown protests and demonstrations have continued in some European countries as citizens grew tired of necessary by inconvenient coronavirus restrictions.

Anti-lockdown protests and demonstrations have continued in some European countries as citizens grew tired of necessary by inconvenient coronavirus restrictions. While this is the case in some countries, others are witnessing bad weather forcing citizens to stay at home. Here's a look at situation Denmark Hundreds of people took to the streets of Copenhagen on Saturday night to protest Denmark's Covid-19 restrictions and the country's plans for a digital vaccination certificate. Organised by a group calling itself "Men in Black Denmark," some 600 people gathered in the bitter cold in front of the parliament building to protest the "dictatorship" of Denmark's partial lockdown. Main target of people's anger was plan for digital vaccine "passport". Denmark is planning to develop a digital certificate of COVID-19 vaccination for travel. It could also potentially be used for sports and cultural events as well as restaurants. Protest organisers say such a passport implies an obligation to be vaccinated and amounts to a further restriction on individual freedom. Vaccination is not compulsory in Denmark. Demonstrators, including some wearing hoods, marched with torches in the centre of the Danish capital, chanting "we have had enough" and "freedom for Denmark." Protesters carried a picture of Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen made to look like North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. Switzerland Some 500 protesters marched through the Swiss tax haven of Zug on Saturday (February 6), wearing white protective suits and chanting dystopian slogans to voice displeasure with rules aimed at limiting the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The demonstration was reminiscent of Vienna rally where thousands faced-off against police and opposed country's even-stricter lockdown. Though Switzerland's restrictions have been less severe than those in Germany, Austria or Italy -- restaurants and non-essential shops are closed but ski areas are open -- there is still a steady buzz of opposition. In Zug, police watched but did not intervene as a group of protesters filed from the train station to the centre of the lakeside city known for shell companies with letter-box addresses and attractive tax rates. Netherlands The Netherlands was set to enter an even stricter lockdown as forecasts of heavy snow and strong winds on Sunday triggered the country`s first nationwide weather alert in nine years. The government on Saturday issued a plea for citizens to stay at home as national weather institute KNMI issued a "code red" for the entire country, warning that icy winds of up to 90 km (56 miles) per hour and up to 20 centimetres (8 inches) of snow could lead to hazardous snowdrifts on roads and limited visibility. All coronavirus testing facilities will be closed on Sunday, health authorities said, while train services will be cut to a minimum level and major supermarkets cancelled deliveries after deciding it would be too dangerous to send drivers out. (With agency inputs)

Anti-lockdown demonstrations continue in Europe

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Prague, Czech Republic on Sunday with empty beer glasses to rally against the closing of pubs and restaurants in the country.

Czechs wave empty beer mugs in lockdown protest

Protesters in Melbourne defied coronavirus lockdown for a second weekend on Sunday. The city has been under hard lockdown for last six weeks.

Video: Protests against coronavirus lockdown erupt in Melbourne

Russian restaurant owners stripped of their income by the coronavirus lockdown are campaigning for their businesses to be allowed to reopen by posting pictures of themselves naked on social media.

Russian restaurant owners stripped of their income by the coronavirus lockdown are campaigning for their businesses to be allowed to reopen by posting pictures of themselves naked on social media. Hundreds of bar, restaurant and cafe employees have posted photographs of themselves naked with carefully positioned plates, cups, saucepans, bottles, bar stools and napkin holders. Their demand is for authorities to allow them to start serving clients as the country gradually eases measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus. "We are naked because we are left with nothing," said Arthur Galaychyuk, owner of the Relab Family bar chain in the city of Kazan, whose 20 employees took part in the campaign. Restaurants in Kazan will be allowed to open their summer terraces on June 11 after more than two months of lockdown. "We don't want to stage a strip show or to fool around, we only want one thing - to work!" said Pavel, a chef from the Siberian city of Novosibirsk, in a post with a group picture of his colleagues wearing only masks and holding kitchenware. "We don't pose more of a risk then supermarkets, shopping malls, hair salons or public transport," the post said. Authorities in Novosibirsk have not announced when local restaurants can open. President Vladimir Putin ordered strict lockdown measures at the end of March shutting all businesses except food stores and pharmacies. The country's regions were allowed to adjust the measures depending on the situation on the ground. Moscow is in the process of lifting the lockdown and many businesses, including shopping malls, book stores and beauty salons have reopened. The Russian capital plans to allow cafes and restaurants to open their outside terraces later in June before reopening fully from June 23. Indoor restaurants and bars remain closed in other parts of Russia.

Russian chefs in naked lockdown protest after virus strips them of income

The Coronavirus pandemic triggered a wave of layoffs in China. Workers in China have now launched protests. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how unemployment is the latest crisis in China.

Gravitas: China | Workers protest after the end of lockdown

German police wearing riot gear and face masks tussled on Saturday with dozens of protesters demonstrating in central Berlin against the coronavirus lockdown on public life.

Protesters shouted "I want my life back" and held up signs with slogans such as "Protect constitutional rights", "Freedom isn't everything but without freedom, everything is nothing", and "Daddy, what is a kiss?"

Police said on Twitter they had arrested more than 100 people.

Some protesters tried to keep a distance from each other, sitting on the ground and wearing masks, but others clustered together.

Like dozens of countries around the globe, Germany has put in place strict curbs on public activity to slow transmission of COVID-19, imposing its lockdown on March 17.

The protesters handed out newspapers entitled "Democratic Resistance", which said the new coronavirus is an attempt to seize power by spreading fear. The papers quoted 127 doctors from around the world who question the need for strict lockdowns.

Police spokesman Thilo Cablitz said permission had been granted for a newspaper distribution campaign, but the health authorities had not granted permission for a public demonstration.

"During coronavirus times and according to containment regulations, we are obliged to prevent a gathering," Cablitz said, adding 180 police officers were on duty.

Germany's Constitutional Court ruled earlier this month that people have the right to hold protests if they adhere to social distancing rules, after pro-democracy activists brought a case argued that the lockdown breaches freedom of assembly.

On Saturday, some protesters sat peacefully on the ground at a distance from each other, holding white roses in reference to the White Rose resistance movement against the Nazis.

"We are here today ... to stand up for our opinion. For the protection of constitutional rights, freedom, and above all freedom of speech," said a woman holding a rose who gave her name only as Sandra.

Germany has the fifth-highest COVID-19 case total behind the United States, Spain, Italy and France. However it has kept fatalities relatively low after early and extensive testing.

Encouraged by lower infection figures, the government allowed smaller stores to re-open on Monday, along with car and bicycle dealers and bookstores, but social distancing rules remain in place until May 3.

The country's confirmed cases increased by 2,055 to 152,438 and the death toll rose by 179 to 5,500, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Saturday - a second day of deceleration in both cases and deaths.

German police wearing riot gear and face masks tussled on Saturday with dozens of protesters demonstrating in central Berlin against the coronavirus lockdown on public life.

German police wearing riot gear and face masks tussled on Saturday with dozens of protesters demonstrating in central Berlin against the coronavirus lockdown on public life. Protesters shouted "I want my life back" and held up signs with slogans such as "Protect constitutional rights", "Freedom isn't everything but without freedom, everything is nothing", and "Daddy, what is a kiss?" Police said on Twitter they had arrested more than 100 people. Some protesters tried to keep a distance from each other, sitting on the ground and wearing masks, but others clustered together. Like dozens of countries around the globe, Germany has put in place strict curbs on public activity to slow transmission of COVID-19, imposing its lockdown on March 17. The protesters handed out newspapers entitled "Democratic Resistance", which said the new coronavirus is an attempt to seize power by spreading fear. The papers quoted 127 doctors from around the world who question the need for strict lockdowns. Police spokesman Thilo Cablitz said permission had been granted for a newspaper distribution campaign, but the health authorities had not granted permission for a public demonstration. "During coronavirus times and according to containment regulations, we are obliged to prevent a gathering," Cablitz said, adding 180 police officers were on duty. Germany's Constitutional Court ruled earlier this month that people have the right to hold protests if they adhere to social distancing rules, after pro-democracy activists brought a case argued that the lockdown breaches freedom of assembly. On Saturday, some protesters sat peacefully on the ground at a distance from each other, holding white roses in reference to the White Rose resistance movement against the Nazis. "We are here today ... to stand up for our opinion. For the protection of constitutional rights, freedom, and above all freedom of speech," said a woman holding a rose who gave her name only as Sandra. Germany has the fifth-highest COVID-19 case total behind the United States, Spain, Italy and France. However it has kept fatalities relatively low after early and extensive testing. Encouraged by lower infection figures, the government allowed smaller stores to re-open on Monday, along with car and bicycle dealers and bookstores, but social distancing rules remain in place until May 3. The country's confirmed cases increased by 2,055 to 152,438 and the death toll rose by 179 to 5,500, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Saturday - a second day of deceleration in both cases and deaths.

I want my life back': Germans protest against lockdown

In the US, more than a dozen states have witnessed anti-lockdown protests. In Brazil, President Jair Bolsonaro joined an anti-lockdown protest. Are leaders putting the economy before lives of the people?

Coronavirus: Why are people protesting against lockdowns? | Gravitas

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