Photo: ReutersBerlin police have broken up a mass protest against coronavirus curbs, arresting 300 in the German capital after demonstrators failed to keep their distance and wear masks as instructed. At a demonstration close to Brandenburg Gate, several thousand were still gathered by early evening, some throwing rocks and bottles. Police had been preparing for possible violence as activists urged social media followers across Europe to arm themselves and gather in Berlin. Berlin initially banned the protests but a German regional court overnight gave the final go-ahead by overruling the earlier decision. In London, several hundred demonstrators gathered in Trafalgar Square calling coronavirus a hoax and demanding an end to restrictions.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 29, 2020 22:30 UTC