Thousands Around Globe Protest COVID-19 Shots, Lockdowns

PARIS - Tens of thousands of people protested in Australia, France, Italy and Greece on Saturday, sparking clashes with police as they railed against COVID-19 measures and government sanctions against the unvaccinated aimed at prodding more people into getting their shots.

Dozens of protesters were arrested after an unauthorized march in Sydney, with the city's police minister calling those who took part "morons." Organizers had dubbed the protest a freedom rally. Attendees carried signs and banners reading "Wake up Australia" and "Drain the Swamp.” In France, where police deployed tear gas and a water cannon against some protesters, an estimated 160,000 took to the streets in nationwide protests against President Emmanuel Macron's health pass that will drastically curtail access to restaurants and public spaces for unvaccinated people.