Police in Wellington, New Zealand broke through and aggressively disrupted a large group of people protesting mandates on parliament grounds.
QUICK FACTS:
- More than 50 individuals were arrested after police brought in over 100 extra officers from across the country on Thursday in attempts to clear protesters, The Guardian reported.
- New Zealanders pitched tents, gathered in crowds and parked cars in front of the capital in defense of vaccine mandates that are heavily enforced in the country.
- The police were removing people one-by-one at the front of the line, advancing their line a few meters every half hour, and destroying tents as they came through.
- One New Zealand Facebook user posted live videos, recording real-time footage of police pushing back against the crowds and disrupting peaceful demonstrations.
TWITTER USERS SHOWING SUPPORT FOR THE DEMONSTRATORS IN WELLINGTON:
“As large parts of the world are lifting all restrictions, this is what our kiwi brothers and sisters are facing right now outside parliament in Wellington! Godspeed New Zealand, the world is watching!”
BACKGROUND:
- New Zealand has put in place some of the strictest restrictions throughout the pandemic and has mandated vaccines for many workers including healthcare and teaching.
- Instagram videos displayed a convoy of vehicles moving into Wellington and thousands on the streets, many holding signs that highlighted the frustration the citizens are facing with the mandates disrupting their livelihoods.
- “Coercion is not consent,” and “It’s not about health, it’s about control,” two signs read.
- “This government are heartless and the catchphrase of the Prime Minister back a couple of years “Be Kind” has firmly been locked away on the 9th floor of the Beehive. The only people this government is being kind to is themselves,” Ian Johnson, ONE Party Co-Leader in New Zealand said in a Facebook post.
