Netherlands: Protests planned in Amsterdam September 18-21

Event

The environmental group Extinction Rebellion (XR) has planned a series of protests in Amsterdam from Friday, September 18, until Monday, September 21. Demonstrators will gather to demand action from the government and businesses to address climate change.

Protesters reportedly gathered in Gustav Mahlerplein in the Zuidas district at 10:00 (local time) on Friday, with plans to block a major road in the area from 11:30. A further protest in Zuidas is expected on Monday, with details yet to be released. Activists will also gather at Museumplein over the weekend to hold activities and talks.

A heightened security presence is likely in the vicinity of protest sites. An associated disruption to transportation and business is likely while protests are ongoing. Further protests are likely over the near to medium term.

Context

Extinction Rebellion previously held global demonstrations during the summer of 2019, with protests often leading to significant travel disruption, as well as numerous clashes between protesters and police. Typically, these protests are held with the intention to disrupt travel/operations in a certain area, targeting infrastructure such as overland and underground rail, airports, and government buildings/financial districts.

Advice

Those in Amsterdam are advised to monitor local media in order to stay up to date with developments relating to the demonstrations and any associated disruption. Travelers are advised to avoid all demonstrations in order to minimize the risk of exposure to potential incidental violence, opportunistic crime, and crowd control measures by the police.