VIDEO: Brussels Protests Turn Violent, Police Fired Teargas And Use Water Cannons

Police in Brussels used aggressive tactics Sunday against the protesters who protested recent government-imposed COVID restrictions.

Reports of "hundreds" of protestors gathered in Belgium's capital. Videos showed protesters wearing black hoods and chanting "freedom" and throwing stones and firecrackers at police. Police responded by firing teargas and using water cannons.

In another recent crackdown to contain COVID-19, the Belgian government on Friday announced a mask mandate for children 10 years and older and a plan to incorporate more of a hybrid school system with half classes from home soon. Protesters demonstrated against vaccine mandates and COVID passes to enter bars and restaurants.

Canadian news service Global News interviewed protestors who claimed their freedom was infringed upon by the government's efforts. One university professor who was interviewed said the pressure to be vaccinated was "enormous." Others cited "free will" and fighting against "discrimination" as their reasons for protesting.

Belgium has dealt with one of Europe’s worst spikes in COVID cases. In a fourth wave of cases, hospitals have been forced to cancel non-urgent care for two weeks. Belgium, a country of about 11.5 million, has more than 3,700 COVID patients, with 821 of them in intensive care, according to the Associated Press.

Brussels has seen other violent demonstrations against COVID guidelines. In late November, there were an estimated 35,000 protestors, which led to numerous arrests, injuries and broad damage to the area.