Thousands of people in the German capital, Berlin, took part in a protest on Saturday against the country’s coronavirus restrictions.

The protestors assembled in Berlin to rally against anti-coronavirus restrictions, describing the measures as undemocratic and a threat to freedom.

They held up banners with slogans saying “Corona, false alarm”, “We are being forced to wear a muzzle”. One woman said “Our demand is to go back to democracy. Away with these laws that have been imposed on us, away with the masks that make us slaves.”

RT reports: Around 15,000 protesters took part in the event, dubbed ‘The end of the pandemic  – freedom day’, according to German media, citing a police estimate.

The crowd marched through downtown Berlin as they held up signs featuring slogans such as “We are being forced to wear a muzzle,” “Natural defense instead of vaccination,” and “We are making noise because you are stealing our freedom!”

One demonstrator even carried a placard with a red cross modified to look like a swastika.

Photographs and videos show many of the demonstrators marching without masks. Police monitoring the event used bullhorns to urge attendees to wear face coverings and abide by social distancing guidelines

The protest attracted a variety of activists, including right-wing elements spotted carrying Germany’s imperial flag. Several small counter-protests were also held in the city. Some of the mask-clad counter-protesters held signs accusing their political opponents of harboring fascist and anti-Semitic views.

Germany has seen an increase in new coronavirus cases in recent weeks. Overall, though, the country has experienced a lower number of cases – especially regarding the death rate – than some other European countries. The country has eased its lockdown restrictions but still requires masks on public transport and in shops. Many other nations and US states have adopted similar guidelines, sparking fierce debate about the efficacy of such measures. For example, while the UK recently instituted mandatory mask rules, the Netherlands has advised against widespread mask use, claiming their effectiveness has not been proven.