The demonstration is banned on the same grounds as last week. For example, it is expected that the scale of the demonstration could endanger public health. There are also signs that there should be ‘fear of serious disorder’. In addition, according to the municipality, there is no indication that the organization is willing and / or able to take measures that are necessary for the orderly conduct of the demonstration to which they are calling broadly.
The municipality says that the content plays no role in the choice to ban the demonstration. “The serious disorder that happened last week shows that the concerns are real.”
‘On a personal title after all to Malieveld’
Despite the ban, the protesters want to go to the protest. That says leader Willem Engel of the group. ‘We, on a personal basis, are on the Malieveld on Sunday. I invite everyone to come, ‘says Engel in a video message on Facebook.
Mayor Johan Remkes finds that appeal irresponsible. “People who call for just going and not bothering about a ban, because this would be an attack on the rule of law, are actually creating a situation of lawlessness and chaos,” says Remkes. The municipality therefore calls for not coming to Malieveld on Sunday. “Attending a demonstration that is prohibited, including in a personal capacity, is a criminal offense,” said the municipality.
ME and police
The municipality: ‘Another more important argument for not coming is that there are clear signs that the meeting will be hijacked by groups that are looking for chaos and violence and that the chance of being compromised is high. Everyone who arrives in The Hague will be addressed by the police with the request to immediately turn around. Anyone who ignores that command does so at their own risk. It is naive to think that if you behave peacefully, all those around you will do the same. “
“The police are doing everything they can to prevent things from going wrong; you can help them by not standing between them ‘- municipality of The Hague
An earlier demonstration by the group against the corona measures on the Malieveld went noisy. About 400 people were arrested. The Mobile Unit charged at The Hague Central station after they were attacked by rioters. According to the police, football supporters moved to the station from the demonstration and the atmosphere was grim. There were also several demonstrators on the Utrechtsebaan, causing traffic disruption.
Against corona measures
Virus Madness is against the measures that the government has taken to prevent the spread of the corona virus, such as the 1.5 meter rule. The group also claims that the virus is not very dangerous.
ALSO READ: Noisy end of demonstration against corona measures
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