, around 2,000 people had protested, with some using the march to turn their frustration into violence. This weekend however, two different images of protests were painted. On Saturday, some protested against the current health measures, with some cases of violence. While on Sunday, others marched peacefully to express their opinion on the vaccine and covid-related restrictions.

“There cannot be any place in Luxembourg for violence and radicalisation,” said Henri Kox (déi Gréng), internal security minister and head of police, in an interview with RTL Luxembourg.

Collaboration and strategy

This time, the police was prepared. “The objectives for the weekend were very clear. First, we wanted to guarantee the right to protest and freedom of speech,” said Kox, adding that the police's actions were saying “no to riots, unrest and putting third parties at risk”. He applauded the police officers’ bravery, calm and their collaboration with the Belgian forces. The internal security minister also thanked shoppers who had still gone to town to support local businesses and Christmas markets.

The perimeter the police had prepared for the protest was not respected by all on Saturday, leading to the use of a water cannon--borrowed from their Belgian counterparts--which the minister says contributed to avoiding  direct confrontations between agents and rioters. “50 people dispersed in the city (…) We were in strategic places to act immediately,” said Kox. In total, 19 people were arrested.

For protests, against senseless violence

One has been detained, for aiming a firecracker at a police agent, something Kox called “unacceptable”. The individual was identified--as were others thanks to Kox authorising Article 5, allowing the identification of people. Currently, five legal cases are ongoing, “but that doesn’t mean others won’t be pursued” as the police investigates other potential offences committed on Saturday.

On Sunday, the police was less present. A conscious choice, as Kox explains to Radio 100,7. A risk assessment of the situation showed that the Belgian police were not needed, as a peaceful “marche blanche” was held.

But with the impending vote on CovidCheck in the workplace, violence and riots are expected to occur again, and as such “strategies will be adapted accordingly,” and security around prime minister Xavier Bettel (DP)--whose house had been egged last week by anti-vaccine campaigners--should be adjusted.

In the meantime, as Kox confirms, police experts comb through social media, to find out what actions rioters will organise next.