Big protests mark global anger at COVID restrictions

More than 100,000 people protested in Australia, France, Italy and Greece on July 23, sparking clashes with police as they railed against COVID-19 measures and government sanctions against the unvaccinated aimed at prodding more people into getting jabs.     

Dozens of protesters were arrested after an unauthorized march in Sydney, with the city's police minister branding those who took part as "morons."More than 100,000 people protested in Australia, France, Italy and Greece on July 23, sparking clashes with police as they railed against COVID-19 measures and government sanctions against the unvaccinated aimed at prodding more people into getting jabs.     

Dozens of protesters were arrested after an unauthorized march in Sydney, with the city's police minister branding those who took part as "morons."    

Organizers had dubbed the protest a "freedom" rally. Attendees carried signs and banners reading "Wake up Australia" and "Drain the Swamp."     

In France, where police deployed teargas and water cannon against some protesters, an estimated 160,000 took to the streets in nationwide protests against President Emmanuel Macron's health pass that will drastically curtail access to restaurants and public spaces for unvaccinated people.            

"Freedom, freedom", chanted demonstrators in France, carrying placards denouncing "Macron, Tyrant", "Big Pharma shackles freedom" or saying "No to the pass of shame."    

The demonstrations highlight the conflict globally between people caught between the advice of the World Health Organization and other public health agencies and the need to earn a living -- or simply to return to a pre-pandemic lifestyle.    

In Indonesia and the UK, governments have pressed ahead with...