ZAGREB, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Croatian parliament on Wednesday passed a law that contains heavy fines for those who violate the government's rule on COVID-19 certificates.
The new law, passed with 77 in favor and 27 against, stipulated fines from 30,000 kuna (4,600 U.S. dollars) to 50,000 kuna (7,700 U.S. dollars).
The Croatian government introduced mandatory COVID-19 certificates on Nov. 16 for access to public or state institutions and schools. The certificates were issued to those who have been vaccinated, recovered from the virus, or tested negative.
However, the introduction of COVID-19 certificates has provoked protests across the country. On Wednesday, hundreds of people protested in front of the parliament building, claiming that the law is not constitutional and that they will not get vaccinated.
Vaccination in Croatia is not mandatory and around 60 percent of adults have been fully vaccinated, a rate below the average in the European Union. The Croatian government has hoped that the introduction of COVID-19 certificates will prompt more people to get vaccinated. Enditem
