Almost 46,600 coronavirus fines issued, 258 arrested for curfew riots

The public prosecution department said on Thursday it had issued almost 46,600 fines since the first measures to stem the spread of coronavirus were implemented on March 16, 2020.

Of them, just over 9,000 were issued for ignoring the curfew, which was introduced on January 23.

In addition, police have arrested 258 people in connection with the three days of rioting following the introduction of the curfew. Sixty of them were minors under the age of 18.

Together they face 343 charges, including 98 of public violence and 98 of incitement, either verbally or via social media, the department said.

Officials are also dealing 417 criminal cases resulting from the coronavirus measures of which involved 112 involved threats against police officers.

In a further 76 cases, council wardens, hospital staff and public transport workers were the victims, the public prosecutor said.