Netherlands: Demonstrators clash with police amid protest in Hoorn (North Holland province) June 19 /update 1

Event

Police clashed with demonstrators in Hoorn (North Holland province) on Friday evening, June 19, after protesters gathered near a statue of Jan Pieterszoon Coen - a 17th century colonial-era Dutch naval officer - on Roode Steen. Reports indicate that the demonstrations started peacefully, with proponents of the statue gathering to show their support from around 18:00 (local time). However, local media reports indicate that from around 19:00, those opposed to the statue began to clash with riot police. Police were reportedly pelted with stones and chairs, although it is unclear whether any injuries occurred. Eight protesters were arrested in the unrest.

Further associated protests and associated disruptions are likely in the near term.  

Context

The protests in Hoorn come amid ongoing global Black Lives Matter protests, and other anti-racist movements, following the death of George Floyd in the US. Similar demonstrations have taken place in Amsterdam and Rotterdam in the Netherlands in recent weeks. 

George Floyd died while being arrested by Minneapolis police officers on May 25. The four arresting police officers were subsequently fired and detained, and one has since been charged with murder. BLM supporters gathered in Minneapolis on May 26 to denounce the death and actions of the police officers. Protests have since spread to a number of cities across the US and internationally.

Advice

Individuals in the Netherlands 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.