The anti-immigration demonstration scheduled for Sunday in Amsterdam will be moved from Dam Square to Museumplein. This decision was made for safety reasons, according to the municipality. This is partly due to the crowds in the city at that time.
The Amsterdam triangle (mayor, Public Prosecution Service, and police) announced the decision on Wednesday. The Museumplein and the surrounding area are designated as a safety risk area. This means that the police can search anyone in this area.
The relocation of the demonstration to the Museumplein is necessary, according to the municipality, because of “risky events” in the city. These can “have an impact on, among other things, the crowds and safety in the city center and the Dam.” On Sunday, the Dutch national team will play a World Cup qualifying match against Finland in the Johan Cruijff ArenA. As a result, many football supporters will be in the center.
The triangle considers the risk of unsafe situations “too great”. “Especially if there is a chance of counter-demonstrations and disturbances.” With this decision, the triangle hopes to reduce the pressure around the Dam and limit nuisance for entrepreneurs, local residents and shoppers.
The ‘Netherlands in Revolt’ demonstration has been planned for some time. The right-wing protest against immigration, among other things, starts at 1 pm on the Museumplein. A march is planned from 2:30 pm to 4 pm That also ends at the Museumplein. The organization calls for a “dignified, peaceful and powerful statement”.
At the end of September, a demonstration for stricter asylum policy in The Hague got completely out of hand. Demonstrators entered the A12, vandalized the D66 party office and attacked the police. Several officers were injured.