Thousands march in Sweden, other parts of Europe against vaccine passports

In Sweden and across many parts of Europe, protestors are demanding an end to vaccine passports.

As many as 3,000 demonstrators marched through central Stockholm and assembled in the main square to demonstrate against the new COVID-19 vaccine certificates. The march was organized by Frihetsrorelsen or Freedom Movement, SVT broadcaster reported.

In Sweden, a vaccine certificate is required to attend indoor events with more than 50 people. Angry anti-vaxxers converged in Sweden with chants and banners that censured the government policies.

In Goteborg, Sweden’s second-largest city, a similar crowd comprising 1000 people strongly protested against the vaccine mandate.

According to the Svenska Dagbladet newspaper, at least 8,000 people gathered in Stockholm separately to protest against vaccinations as they brandished placards that read: “Yes to freedom, no to COVID-19—pass.”

Similar measures have also been introduced in nearby Finland. The Finnish government, earlier last month, rolled out stringent measures for raising vaccination coverage as it emphasized the importance of third doses [booster shots].

Authorities mandated the third dose under the Communicable Diseases Act to prevent the spread of the pandemic driven by the highly contagious variant B.1.1.529 Omicron. Premises such as bars, karaoke bars, nightclubs, and other recreational public venues were identified as having a high risk of infection and therefore, only the vaccinated members were allowed to avail these facilities.