In a decisive move, Dutch law enforcement rounded up numerous pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Amsterdam for violating a protest ban. This restriction was enacted following violent confrontations between Israeli football fans and local youths.
The Amsterdam District Court upheld the mayor’s order to prohibit demonstrations in the city. This decision came just days after disturbances erupted involving fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv and others on scooters throughout various neighborhoods.
Despite the ban, hundreds of individuals flocked to the iconic Dam Square. They brandished signs proclaiming, “We want our streets back,” while chanting slogans like “Free Palestine,” as observed by an AFP correspondent on the scene.
As tensions escalated, riot-clad police moved to disperse the crowd in the afternoon, shortly after the court confirmed the protest prohibition.
“The mayor has rightly decided to enforce a demonstration ban in the city this weekend,” the court declared via X, formerly known as Twitter.
Thus, the court “rejected the request” submitted by activists wishing to hold their demonstration.
Activist Frank van der Linde sought an urgent permit to rally in Dam Square, even in defiance of the mayor’s temporary ban, which had been announced by Femke Halsema on Friday.
Van der Linde expressed his desire to protest against what he termed the “genocide in Gaza,” along with concerns that the right to demonstrate was being undermined. According to Dutch news agency ANP, he stated, “We must stand up for our rights.”
The emergency protocols instituted included increased police presence and mandates for wearing face coverings, set to remain in effect until the following morning.
Nevertheless, shortly after the bans were enforced, a group of demonstrators began gathering in the heart of the city, amid a robust police presence.
These peaceful protesters carried banners, with one catching the eye that read: “We can combat antisemitism and genocidal Zionism simultaneously.”
Tensions had been mounting ahead of a Thursday match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv at the Johann Cruyff Arena. According to Amsterdam police chief Peter Holla, Maccabi fans had burned a Palestinian flag in Dam Square, which escalated into vandalism, including damage to a taxi.
Before the match commenced, sporadic incidents linked to both Maccabi supporters—who were chanting inflammatory anti-Palestinian slogans—and opposing youth groups arose.
In the aftermath of the game, groups on scooters engaged in “hit-and-run” style assaults against Maccabi fans in various city locales. The police attributed these attacks to social media calls rallying for actions against Jewish individuals.
Mayor Halsema condemned the assaults, stating that gangs had targeted Israeli club fans, resorting to severe beatings and kicking. She lamented, “This surge of antisemitism is something I hope we will never encounter again,” expressing feelings of shame regarding the violent outbursts.
As of now, at least 63 individuals have been detained, primarily during the match, with four remaining in custody according to prosecutors. Authorities have initiated a broad investigation, and further arrests are anticipated.
In light of these events, Israel’s government has issued advisories for citizens to steer clear of international cultural and sports gatherings involving Israelis. This caution comes in the wake of skirmishes between Israeli football supporters and locals in Amsterdam.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement indicating that intelligence had suggested pro-Palestinian factions abroad were planning to target Israelis in cities across the Netherlands, United Kingdom, France, Belgium, and beyond.
Additionally, Israeli authorities advised fans to avoid attending the upcoming France-Israel football match set to take place in Paris. The National Security Council urged citizens to “refrain from participating in sporting events or cultural gatherings involving Israelis, particularly the forthcoming match of the Israeli national team in Paris,” as stated in an official announcement.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
