40 personnel hurt as New Zealand police break up anti-vaxxers camp

By Islamuddin Sajid

ANKARA (AA) – At least 40 personnel were injured in clashes with anti-vaxxers near the parliament in Wellington, New Zealand, as police broke up the camp first set up more than three weeks ago.

The operation began late Wednesday to clear the ground in front of the parliament.

"Over 500 Police staff were involved in yesterday’s operation, 40 of whom were injured," police said in a statement. "The majority of these injuries were minor lacerations and bumps, however, those in hospital suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries," it added.

Since Feb. 7, over 1,000 protesters were staging a sit-in at parliamentary lawns in opposition to mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations and restrictions. They also parked vehicles on roads near the parliament ground and blocked public access to the streets.

"Police have now arrested 100 people, including 11 today, on charges such as arson, grievous bodily harm, inciting violence, theft, assault, trespass and obstruction," the statement said.

They accused the protesters of pelting stones at cops, using traffic cones, poles, and wood against them that caused injuries.

However, police have now cleared the areas and will soon reopen them for the public, it added.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern expressed her anger at the protesters' actions, saying she was saddened to see the clashes, which included demonstrators setting fire to a children's playground.

"It was an illegal occupation, they engaged in hostile, violent and aggressive behavior throughout the occupation, and today that has culminated in the desecration of this Parliament's grounds. I am absolutely committed (that) we will restore those grounds and we will not be defined by one act by a small group of people," the premier was quoted as saying on state-run Radio New Zealand.

"It demonstrated why the government refused to engage with the group," she added.

New Zealand’s latest outbreak is driven by the highly contagious omicron variant. On Wednesday, health authorities confirmed a record 22,000 new daily cases.

About 78% of New Zealand's population is vaccinated with two doses.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the country has reported fewer than 100 virus deaths among its population of 5 million. It had imposed strict border controls and lockdowns to eliminate earlier outbreaks.

​​​​​​​Ardern has said she will ease virus mandates and restrictions after the current outbreak has passed.