The “Freedom Caravan” enters the center of Paris: “It escalated very quickly here” | Freedom Caravan

Read all about ‘Freedom Caravan’ at this file†

Thousands of motorists have been on the road from across France since Friday, although this work has been banned by police. More than seven thousand police are active in the French capital to avoid the siege. The Paris police had already imposed 283 fines on the participants in the convoys of freedom around 11.20 am and will not stop there. At least seven people have been arrested so far. Five people were arrested for carrying catapults and protective equipment. Two other people had, among other things, petrol bottles, hammers, and knives.

French media reported that the police had intervened on the Champs Elysees. The security forces are trying to disperse the demonstrators from the convoys of freedom. The province will not allow any siege. According to the newspaper “Le Parisien”, a large organized convoy has not yet entered the French capital, but dozens of individual vehicles have already succeeded.

Demonstrators say they want to appear in Paris with “a large number of vehicles” so that law enforcement cannot stop them. They are protesting against the vaccination permit, which is required in France for access to restaurants and cinemas, among other things. They are also against the loss of purchasing power and the rise in energy prices. There were also many yellow vests among the demonstrators.

Prime Minister Jan Casteks has previously promised to take very tough measures against the protesters. Activists also called on people to head to Brussels on Monday, but protesting is not allowed in our country either.

The protest was not limited to France and Paris. Many truck drivers arrived this morning in The Hague, the political capital of the Netherlands, to protest against Corona’s measures. According to public broadcaster NOS, they are blocking access to the Binnenhof, the Dutch parliament.

The Hague Police reported that the trucks are located in Buitenhof, a square next to the Binnenhof. The officers are talking to the drivers. According to NOS, there are about twenty trucks in the Binnenhof, which are closed on both sides. There are also cars in the area bearing Dutch flags, Brabant and Friesian flags.

The mayor of The Hague has called off a surprise truck driver’s demonstration for the Freedom Caravan in the Netherlands. The police ordered the protesters to leave. If you do not comply, you risk arrest and a fine, according to the municipality of The Hague. Vehicle towing costs may also be charged. Protesters say they do not intend to quit their work, they have already announced on their Telegram account.

Actions will be taken against ignoring police instructions and violating traffic rules. According to a police spokeswoman, access to the city should still be available, but there is already traffic disruption due to the protests. For example, many tram and bus lines are diverted.

Truck drivers participate in the so-called “Dutch Freedom Caravan,” similar to other Freedom Caravan that follows Canada’s lead. The protesters are said to be on their way from several provinces in the country.

On Monday, the Federal Police and the Brussels Police called for avoiding the area in and around Brussels due to an expected ‘caravan of freedom’ in protest of the Corona measures. The convoys, expected tomorrow evening in and around Brussels, are likely to cause significant traffic disruption.

Police say the Freedom Caravan, which wants to demonstrate in Brussels on Monday 14 February, is banned. Drivers who wish to pretend however can go to car park C in Heysel. There will be a tolerance procedure. Police said it is therefore best to avoid the capital, Brussels, and the ring road around Brussels on Monday. If you have no other choice, it is best to take public transportation.