Hundreds Protest against COVID-19 Restrictions in Denmark
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Hundreds of people took to the streets of Copenhagen on Saturday night to protest against Denmark's COVID-19 restrictions and the country's plans for a digital vaccination certificate.
Organized 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 against the "dictatorship" of Denmark's partial lockdown, AFP reported.
Plans for a digital vaccine "passport" were a main target of their anger.
Like other European countries, Denmark intends to develop a digital certificate for COVID-19 vaccination for travel.
It could also potentially be used for sports and cultural events as well as restaurants.
Protest organizers 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.
The authorized march was, however, largely peaceful, with a large contingent of police deployed.
Two weeks ago, a similar protest included the burning of an effigy of the Prime Minister, leading to the arrest of two men for threats against Ms. Frederiksen.
Non-essential shops, bars and restaurants are closed in the Scandinavian country of 5.8 million people and the government has extended the restrictions until at least Feb 28.
Primary schools are, however, set to reopen on Monday.
