The Dutch police carried out the arrest of dozens of participants of an illegal pro-Palestinian demonstration in Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlandsthis Wednesday. The protest took place despite the ban on demonstrations decreed after the violent attacks against Israeli fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Protesters, many wearing kufiyas, gathered chanting slogans on Dam Square in the city center with signs that read: “Give us back our streets” and “Free Palestine”. The detainees were transferred to buses parked nearby.
This way, There are already two pro-Palestinian demonstrations held after the announcement of the ban on protests and the incidents after the match between Ajax and the Israeli club. The first occurred last Sunday, which also led to the arrest of multiple people.
Dutch activist Frank van der Linde had announced his intention to demonstrate in Dam Square against the “genocide in Gaza” and also in defense of “right to demonstrate”. “This demonstration has nothing to do with anti-Semitism,” said Alexander van Stokkum, one of the participants.
Amsterdam banned protests after attack by ‘anti-Semitic squads’ against Israeli fans
Amsterdam banned any type of demonstration for three days after the incidents. The fans of the club from Israel were “attacked, insulted”as well as “fireworks” were thrown at themaccording to the mayor of the capital of the Netherlands, Femke Halsema.
Halsema said police were caught off guard after security services did not designate the match against Ajax Amsterdam, traditionally identified as a Jewish club, as “high risk.” Likewise, he said that ”anti-Semitic squads” managed to evade a force of around 200 officers.
Following the attack, Amsterdam police indicated this morning that had arrested 62 people at nightduring the clashes that occurred in the Dutch capital. “So far, it is known that five people were taken to hospital and 62 were arrested,” in the clashes that occurred after a Europa League match between Ajax and the Israeli club, Amsterdam police stated in X.
They also noted that they are “aware of reports about a possible hostage situation and disappearances,” but that at the moment there is no confirmation. He added that an investigation has been launched and that “several people who were missing have been found.”
Increased security in the capital of the Netherlands
As a result of this, security was reinforced in the city, where a service was planned for Saturday at a Jewish monument to remember Kristallnacht, the Nazi pogrom against Jews throughout Germany from November 9 to 10, 1938.
The Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoofsaid he was “horrified by anti-Semitic attacks against Israeli citizens” and assured Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone that “the perpetrators will be identified and prosecuted“.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog spoke with Dutch King Willem-Alexander, who, he said, “expressed deep horror and shockHerzog quoted the king as saying that the Netherlands had failed its Jewish community during World War II (under Nazi occupation and persecution) and again on Thursday night.
Anti-Muslim politician Wilders, leader of the government’s largest party, said he “I was ashamed that this could happen in Holland“. In a message on X, he blamed “criminal Muslims” and said they should be deported.
Source: Ambito
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