Riot police dispersed across the Netherlands as violence and destruction run rampant

In multiple cities across the Netherlands, riots tore through the streets for the third night in a row. Over 150 people were arrested and police continue to investigate camera images, not ruling out additional arrests.

The upheaval is linked to the opposition of the government’s decision to implement a curfew, which went into effect on Saturday evening. From Rotterdam to Den Bosch, crowds of people took to the streets in violent protest.

Rotterdam

In Rotterdam, the police arrested more than 50 rioters following major disturbances on the Biejerlandselaan in Rotterdam South. The rioters damaged property, looted several shops, caused arson, and pelted police with stones and fireworks.

One officer was injured in the leg in the arrest of a suspect. He was taken to hospital for treatment.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam police made nine arrests in the Oost (East) neighbourhood around Molukkenstraat. Rioters attempted to knock over a police van.

The Hague

Riot police were deployed to calm the unrest in the Hague. Police were pelted with stones and fireworks.

Limburg

Of the reported hundreds of people who had gathered, Limburg police made 17 arrests of rioters between the ages of 17 and 55 years old. One officer in Roermond was slightly injured during an arrest.

Haarlem

The restless night in Haarlem involved car fires, fireworks, and stones being thrown at police. The police were not easily able to get the situation under control and had to deploy tear gas. Police made 14 arrests.

The mayor of Haarlem, Jos Wienen, says, “The violence against police officers is inadmissible. Violent offenders are being dealt with harshly. Due to firm action, it has become calm again.”

Den Bosch

Large groups of rioters set fire to cars, looted, and smashed windows in shops and homes. “We are fully committed to suppressing this unacceptable violence,” said the police.

By the end of the night, the police had closed all access roads to and from the city centre. City buses were no longer allowed to run and ProRail train traffic was halted to Den Bosch.

 

Zwolle

In Zwolle, hundreds of young people ran through the streets and lit fireworks. Riot police were deployed, and an emergency order was issued.

Police Tweeted that three suspects were arrested and they would remain present to enforce the curfew. “Be sensible and stay home.”

Helmond, Breda, Almelo, Veenendaal, Tilburg

The rioting continued in other Dutch cities, with three arrests made in Breda, eight arrests in Almelo, and two arrests in Veenendaal. Police arrested an additional man in Tilburg because of threats, who was carrying an electric shock weapon.

What do you make of all rioting happening in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below.
Feature Image: Flavio Gasperini/Unsplash

Brin Andrews
Brin Andrewshttp://brinandrews.com
Brin is an avid ice cream eater from the US, calling Amsterdam home since early 2019. As a lover of mountains, life below sea level has been a bit of an adjustment, but she manages to stay afloat with long runs, wine, and frequent travel. Incidentally, these are a few of her favourite topics to write about.

4 COMMENTS

  1. I think it is really sad for this behaviour. All you can say is that these hooligans are disgusting, disrespectful and have no morals. The whole world is suffering not only The Netherlands, they need to be severely punish for they behaviour. And given criminal records. People are suffering with financial difficulties and they go out and destroy properties that does not belong to them. The Coronavirus is real and we are trying to do our best and abide the rules. And these losers keep doing what they want and spreading and the innocent people have to suffer..

    • Coronavirus has a 99.76% survival rate and does not give the govt pretext to take away all our rights. There was very limited instances of looting, most of the action I have seen are directed at the police who should not be enforcing these antihuman laws in the first place. Lockdowns do more harm than they prevent and tyranny must always be confronted.

  2. It is a sad commentary on intelligence that these rioters think they are actually
    benefitting anyone by behaving this way. They are further perpetuating fear and
    anxiety for older and younger people over safety issues and destroying the
    livelihoods of their fellow citizens, the beauty of their cities, as well as limiting
    access to places of business such as grocery stores !
    The respect of one another and the care for one another is what we ALL need.
    These are the same people who are first to complain when their needs are not
    met quickly enough by others !
    The Corona lockdown came as a result of spoiled people thinking they should
    always be allowed to do what they like ignoring the safety and health of the most vulnerable.
    They are making life harder for everyone, including themselves by irresponsible actions.
    I feel disgusted and saddened, by these arrogant and selfish individuals.

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