Amnesty International reported threats and vandalism surrounding Sinterklaas’ arrival in Staphorst on Saturday. Amnesty monitors were present at a protest by Kick Out Zwarte Piet (KOZP) and were attacked in their car by counter-protesters.
“The destruction of a car affects us less,” said an Amnesty International spokesperson. “We are concerned about the threat and deliberate prevention of the exercise of a human right. Observers participate in all kinds of demonstrations throughout the year, but have never been threatened and intimidated in this way before.”
On the eve of the KOZP demonstration, problems arose because Zwarte Piet’s supporters wanted to stop the protest. In addition to the observers, members of the KOZP were also attacked.
Amnesty International wants an investigation into the state of affairs. The police already announced on Saturday that they were investigating the obstruction of the demonstration, which was eventually banned by the mayor of Staphorst.
According to Amnesty, the car containing the observers was rocked, eggs were pelted and the tires were slashed. The agents left the observers in the car for a long time. According to a police spokesman, this was chosen “to avoid further escalation”.
Amnesty wants the facts on the table
Amnesty, which concluded in a report on Monday that the right to demonstrate in the Netherlands is under pressure, says it wants to have all the facts on the table. “We have penetrating questions. That is why Amnesty is calling for an in-depth assessment of the government’s action in Staphorst on Saturday and the days before.”
There have been many reactions on social media to the shared images of the besieged car. GroenLinks party leader Jesse Klaver also responds via Twitter. “What happened in Staphorst is excessive and racist. The police shouldn’t have stopped KOZP, but those who prevented the right to peaceful protest with assaults, intimidation and violence.”
Several other reports have also been made. No people were arrested on Saturday, but police say they are studying the images for crimes.
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