Did you spot the crowds on Saturday? Were you part of them? Thousands of protestors gathered on the streets of Amsterdam to protest fascism, racism, and far-right policies.
This protest is held annually on the International Day Against Racism and Discrimination, established by the UN over 60 years ago.
United against discrimination
A coalition of over 200 organisers were involved, Euronews shares, including Amnesty International, Kick Out Zwarte, the Dutch Palestine Committee and Another Jewish Voice. ✊
They expressed their demands loud and clear, strongly disapproving of the rise of fascism and far-right government in the Netherlands.
Many denounce the government’s “anti-democratic measures against Muslims and asylum seekers,” specifically criticising Minister of Asylum and Migration, Marjolein Faber.
Faber’s anti-immigration stance has attracted attention — for all the wrong reasons.
Demanding justice, one slogan at a time
Palestinian, LGBTQIA+, Black Lives Matter, Turkish and Ukrainian flags created a mosaic of flags — multiple struggles for justice, deeply intertwined.
Signs went straight to the point, reading “Never Again is Now,” “Fact or Faber” and “Silence = Violence”.
It’s all about solidarity, community and speaking up to denounce national and international acts of discrimination, fascism and anti-democratic measures of all kinds.
A closer look
The Palestinian solidarity movement in Amsterdam joined Saturday’s protests, reignited after Israel brutally broke the ceasefire agreement, killing hundreds of Palestinians in Gaza.
Former Dutch civil servant Angelique Eijpe called out the hypocrisy of the Dutch government, criticising their complicity and double standards when it comes to human rights.
Meanwhile, Turkish protesters were demanding democracy and justice following the detainment of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, condemning the unlawful move by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. As of yesterday, İmamoğlu is in jail.
One protestor told Turkish outlet Holland Medya, “We have gathered to protest the one-man regime, inequality, and injustice that continues in Türkiye.”
Did you join any of the protests? Which slogans stand out to you? Let us know in the comments.