Police clashed with protesters in Berlin as they tried to disperse a rally against the coronavirus lockdown while parliament debated a law to give the national government more powers to fight a third wave of the pandemic, Reuters reported.

Chancellor Angela Merkel drew up the law after some of Germany's 16 federal states refused to impose tough measures despite a surge in cases.

Police said on Twitter they would break up the protest because many in the crowds of demonstrators were not wearing face masks or keeping a distance from one another.

Up to 2,200 officers were on duty in Berlin to manage the protests.

Members of the police stand guard as people protest against the government measures to curb the spread of Covid-19, as the lower house of parliament discusses additions for the Infection Protection Act, in Berlin, Germany, April 21. — Reuters
Members of the police stand guard as people protest against the government measures to curb the spread of Covid-19, as the lower house of parliament discusses additions for the Infection Protection Act, in Berlin, Germany, April 21. — Reuters

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