Berlin: Police clash with protestors at anti-lockdown rally

April 21, 2021- Berlin, Germany- Police in Berlin fired tear gas as they tried to break up protesters today - as Germany's parliament approved a law to give Angela Merkel's government more powers to fight coronavirus.

Violent clashes broke out as anti-lockdown activists chanting 'Peace, freedom, no dictatorship!' tried to clamber over barriers and hurled bottles at riot cops. Officers retaliated with pepper spray and arrested seven as they tried to break up the mass protest, which attracted thousands.

It came as parliament gave the nod to strict nationwide coronavirus rules after some of Germany's 16 federal states refused to impose tough measures despite a surge in cases. Merkel's government has come under fire for its chaotic handling of lockdowns and slow vaccination campaign. The new law, which prescribes school closures and night-time curfews in areas with high infection rates, aims to end a political tug-of-war between the federal government and the regional states over virus restrictions. Merkel drew up the law after some of Germany's 16 states refused to impose tough measures despite a surge in cases. Her government has come under fire for its chaotic handling of lockdowns and slow vaccination campaign. The law was approved with the backing of 342 lawmakers while 250 voted against and 64 abstained.