Coronavirus: Protests against restrictions end in unrest in Sweden

STOCKHOLM.- Swedish police dispersed hundreds of people protesting in central Stockholm against restrictions on Saturday imposed by the government to stem the coronavirus epidemic. The protest was illegal because it was organized without permission, authorities in the Nordic country said.

It was the first major protest against coronavirus restrictions in the country. Swedish police said they acted just as the number of participants exceeded the limit imposed for public gatherings under Swedish orders by the pandemic. In videos published in Swedish media, hundreds of people without masks were seen gathered in Medborgarplatsen Square in Stockholm, near the Old Town. The local press estimated between 300 and 500 participants.

Aftonbladet and Expressen newspapers reported that the protesters dispersed rather peacefully, but that six police officers were injured after altercations erupted between police and some protesters who did not want to leave. Aftonbladet said the event was organized by a group called Swedish Freedom which the newspaper said alleges the rules against Covid-19 restrict human freedom.

Unlike other European countries, Sweden decided at the start of the pandemic to keep society largely moderate, but in recent months the government has taken a more assertive stance. Sweden has recorded more than 13,000 deaths during the pandemic, many more than its northern neighbors, Denmark, Norway and Finland.

AP Agency

THE NATION