BERLIN (AP) — Thousands of protesters against German coronavirus restrictions converged Saturday in Berlin for a demonstration proclaiming “the end of the pandemic” has arrived, as authorities voice increasing concern about an upturn in new infections.
A whistling and cheering crowd marched through downtown Berlin from the Brandenburg Gate with few masks in sight on Saturday.
Protesters held up home-made placards featuring slogans that included “Corona, false alarm,” “We are being forced to wear a muzzle,” and “Natural defense instead of vaccination.”
German officials pleaded with the public this week to observe social distancing and mask-wearing rules.
The national disease control center reported 955 new cases Friday, a high number by recent standards that underlined the upward trend.
