A photo shows a fire in a street of The Hague during a demonstration against the Dutch government's coronavirus measures, on November 20, 2021. Fresh rioting broke out late November 20 over the Dutch government's coronavirus measures, with rioters pelting police with stones and fireworks as protests turned violent for a second night in the Netherlands. Photo: AFP

Thousands of protesters defied authorities and gathered in the Dutch capital Amsterdam on Sunday to oppose COVID-19 restrictions, leading to clashes and 30 arrests.

"This is Holland! Power to the people!" chanted one protester.

The demonstrators rallied in one of the city's main squares, despite Dutch authorities banning the protest beforehand.

The protesters, who mostly did not wear masks or abide by social distancing rules, ignored an order not to hold a march and walked along a main thoroughfare, playing music and holding yellow umbrellas in a sign of opposition to government measures. 

Police said anti-riot officers had to use force after protesters refused to leave the square despite a warning.

Four officers were injured in the clashes with protesters and 30 arrests were made for offenses including assault, public disorder, possession of a forbidden weapon and not respecting security forces, they added.

Local media reported that at least two protesters suffered injuries.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced a lockdown on December 18, 2021, one week before Christmas, in response to a fresh wave of COVID-19 infections fueled by the Omicron variant.

The government ordered the closure of all but essential stores, as well as restaurants, hairdressers, gyms, museums and other public places including nonessential shops, restaurants, bars, cinemas, theaters and museums will remain closed until January 14 and schools until January 9.

Under the new rules, only two people may meet outdoors, with an exception for burials, but no travel restrictions were imposed.

AFP