Protest in Netherlands against coronavirus measures

Demonstrators take part in a protest against the Dutch government's restrictions imposed to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Amsterdam, Netherlands, January 16, 2022. REUTERS/Piroschka van de Wouw

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Thousands of protesters packed Amsterdam's streets on Sunday in opposition to the government-imposed COVID-19 measures and vaccination campaign as virus infections hit a new record.

Authorities were granted stop and search powers at several locations across the city and scores of riot police vans patrolled neighbourhoods where the demonstrators marched with banners and yellow umbrellas.