Saturday, June 27, 2020, 10:28 AM
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THE HAGUE –
If things get out of hand during the prohibited anti-lockdown demonstration in The Hague on Sunday, the police are prepared for anything. “Let one thing be clear: demonstration is a fundamental right, but we do not tolerate riots,” says police chief Wilbert Paulissen on behalf of the National Police in De Telegraaf.
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The demonstration is prohibitedbecause, according to the mayor, the protest poses a threat to public health because of the expected high turnout. There is also the risk of serious disorder. In addition to the protesters, football hooligans have again announced that they will come to The Hague. Nevertheless, organizer action group Virus Madness has announced that it is going to the Malieveld.
With a view to the prohibited demonstration, the police have set up a National Staff for Large-scale and Special Operations (NSGBO) for this weekend. This is a kind of national command post for high impact events that cross the areas of the regional units.
“Prepared for a hot weekend”
The police are ‘prepared for a hot weekend,’ says Paulissen in De Telegraaf. The head of unit of the Oost-Brabant police spoke on behalf of the NSGBO.
The police are now mainly trying to improve the information position with regard to the various groups in order to be well prepared for possible riots and people flows. Paulissen: ‘We do this with the help of sources within those movements and by keeping a close eye on social media. We are working on this 24/7. The advantage of an NSGBO is that we can then shift with police units and quickly share information. ‘
‘Address people directly’
But the police mainly appeals to the common sense of everyone. “We will address people directly. Leave, the demonstration is prohibited. We warn. And if necessary, enforcement or, if necessary, repressive action is taken, ‘says the Hague police chief Paul van Musscher to the NOS. “Let me say this: we are not going to be surprised.”
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