Netherlands: Police disperse anti-racism demonstrators in Rotterdam June 3

Event

Riot police dispersed anti-racism protesters in Rotterdam on Wednesday, June 3, who had gathered to show their solidarity over recent protests held in the US over the death of George Floyd. Thousands of protesters congregated on Erasmus Bridge (Erasmusbrug) and in the downtown area on the city. Police were deployed to disperse the protests as it had become overcrowded with participants not observing current social distancing measures in place amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. Minor clashes were reported at the north-eastern end of the bridge as the protest continued into the evening (local time) and police also reported some property damage.

Large crowds of demonstrators gathered in a similar protest on Tuesday, June 2; though reports suggest the protest remained peaceful and that the participants maintained the 1.5m distance between each other.

Further associated protests are likely in the near term.  

Advice

Individuals in Rotterdam are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate localized transportation disruptions, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.