Clashes break out in Brussels in protests over coronavirus restrictions

People protest against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) measures as police forces stand guard, near the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium November 21, 2021. REUTERS/Johanna Geron

BRUSSELS (Reuters) -Police and protesters clashed in the streets of Brussels on Sunday in demonstrations over government-imposed COVID-19 restrictions, with police firing water cannon and tear gas at demonstrators throwing rocks and smoke bombs, witnesses said.

About 35,000 people took part in demonstrations, police said, which began peacefully before violence broke out.