Family: ‘No political character, silent journey Bas’ | Inland

In recent days there has been a lot of commotion on Twitter and Facebook about the shooting incident on the Oeverlanden of the Nieuwe Meer, in which Bas van Wijk died last Saturday. The Badhoevedorper was chilling with his friends on the swimming pier during the sweltering weather when a thief probably wanted to steal a friend’s Rolex watch. Bas van Wijk said something about it, whereupon the man suddenly took out a pistol and shot him. They tried to resuscitate Van Wijk, but to no avail.

Many social media comments were about the fact that there is commotion in the Netherlands about the death of the African American George Floyd, but that the senseless death of a Dutch person is ignored. The hashtag # justicevoorbas was even trending for a long time on Monday. Thierry Baudet of Forum for Democracy and Geert Wilders of the PVV, among others, joined the discussion. They have also indicated that they want to participate in a possible commemoration. Social media channels also revealed that a demonstration will be organized in Amsterdam on Sunday at 12 noon to commemorate Bas van Wijk. The organization is in discussion with the municipality of Amsterdam about the conditions.

The family has not spoken out about this public initiative, but has now announced that Friday’s silent march through the village should under no circumstances be held hostage for political purposes. It must become a pure gathering of family, friends, acquaintances and “anyone who wants to participate in this tour from his or her heart is welcome”, the family says. Bas van Wijk’s funeral service is a day later.

The police have not yet arrested a suspect for the shooting of Bas van Wijk. A description has been issued of a man, between 20 and 30 years old, with curly hair, a bag and sunglasses. On Monday, the police searched the area around the Oeverlanden for the gun and tried to determine the perpetrator’s escape route. The investigative apparatus has not made any further statements about this.

Mayor comes along

Marianne Schuurmans, mayor of the Haarlemmermeer, of which Badhoevedorp is part, has announced via Twitter that she is joining the silent march.

–