All 57 farmers who were detained since Wednesday morning because they blocked the road during a protest in Drenthe have been released, according to the police. A few hundred farmers had gathered at the police station in Assen in protest of the arrests. Fines were again issued in the run-up to this.
Most released farmers were fined 390 euros after questioning for breaking the temporary ban introduced this week that agricultural vehicles should not be allowed to demonstrate. The group also included five minors, who must report to the HALT agency.
Many of the fined farmers do not accept the fine, one of the detained protesters said to NU.nl after release. They prefer to await the lawsuit on November 19, which will be held before the subdistrict court in Assen. A few have accepted the settlement, reports RTV Drenthe.
Released demonstrator: ‘The politicians are wrong’
Farmer Lucinda, who did not reveal her surname to NU.nl, was one of the 57 arrested farmers. After several hours at the desk in Assen, she was released. “I think it is important that we, the people, the farmers, the motorcycle clubs, and the football association, really just the whole of the Netherlands, should demonstrate. For freedom.”
For example, she disagrees with the 1.5 meter distance that must be kept. “And I am also here for the farmers. If you are no longer allowed to give the cows the right food, that is in my view definitely animal cruelty. That is simply not possible.” By demonstrating Lucinda wants to wake up the people. “That everyone realizes that politics is wrong.”
Hundreds of farmers at Assen police station
Hundreds of farmers gathered at the Assen-Balkengracht police station on Wednesday afternoon to demonstrate against the arrests earlier that day. Demonstrating at the agency was allowed, but not with pullers, a police spokesperson told NU.nl. The farmers have adhered to that. Around five o’clock, all the farmers who had been trapped were released, which also meant the end of the demonstration outside the office.
On Wednesday afternoon in the run-up to the demonstration, 29 drivers of tractors and other agricultural vehicles were inspected in Assen. They receive a fine of 390 euros because in Drenthe, Friesland and Groningen are not allowed to demonstrate with an agricultural vehicle.
Action: ‘Emotions run high’
Farmers’ Test Group Agraction has established itself through a statement behind the spontaneous action. “Demonstrating with tractors and agricultural vehicles is a lawful way of demonstrating, because agricultural vehicles are simply allowed on public roads.” According to the statement, the ban on farmers “reinforces the feeling of not being heard and accepted”.
“Emotions run high,” said Board member Bart Kemp in conversation with NU.nl about the protests. “A tractor belongs to a farmer and many farmers think that this ban goes against their right to demonstrate. They see this as a peaceful way of protest.”
Farmers angry about ban
Until next Monday, a ban on demonstrating agricultural vehicles in the safety regions of Drenthe, Friesland and Groningen applies. According to the safety regions, unexpected demonstrations and blockades of highways and distribution centers led to unsafe situations.
Active farmers have been demonstrating for several days against the plans of Minister Carola Schouten (Agriculture) to prohibit the addition of extra protein to animal feed. The measure requires extra nitrogen space to be gained.
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