Anti-vaccine mass protests hit parliament street in New Zealand

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – Mass protests erupted in New Zealand on Tuesday with demonstrators angry over a range of issues, including virus restrictions and mandatory vaccination.

The demonstrators, largely peaceful, flocked toward parliament where security was beefed up, Radio New Zealand reported.

It was the first time in three decades that the security of parliament was “so tight”, said Speaker of the House Trevor Mallard.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was present in the parliament hall.

Thanking people for “doing their part” in the battle against the COVID-19, Ardern said: “The protesters’ views were not representative of the bulk of New Zealand.”

“We're at over 89% of eligible New Zealanders having had their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine, and I think they know and appreciate that we’re on a road to able to open up more - to having a bit more of that normality back. Yes, it's been a tough journey, but I think they can see that what we've done has been on behalf of everyone,” she said.

Demonstrators, without masks, posed as “freedom fighters” used public speakers to convey messages to lawmakers.

Meanwhile, hit singles such as Michael Jackson’s “They Don't Care About Us”, and Eminem and Rihanna’s “Love the Way You Lie" blared on loudspeakers.

They also performed haka, a ceremonial dance in Maori culture.

Some unruly protestors were seen abusing and throwing water and tennis balls at the media personnel and policemen, while demanding an end to the COVID-19 restrictions.

No arrests were made by security agencies who are mulling action in coming days.

One of the least affected nations, New Zealand has reported 7,775 COVID-19 cases since the outbreak of the pandemic in December 2019 of which 2,825 cases are active. The Pacific nation has reported 32 deaths due to the coronavirus.

Almost 65% of New Zealand’s total population is fully vaccinated. The country is administering Pfizer vaccines.