Reporter John Maes is on site at the protest, follow his report in the messages at the bottom of this article.
The walking route of the parade to and from Museumplein is also a safety risk area. This means that the Amsterdam police may search everyone in the area as a preventive measure. “The measure is intended to ensure a safe and peaceful course of the demonstration for participants and bystanders.” The security risk area applies from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The demonstrators gather at 12:00 on the Museumplein, they say for a manifestation for freedom, fundamental rights, physical integrity and health. They also demand the release of corona skeptic Willem Engel. The activists plan to walk a short march “of human connection.”
A year ago, protesters walked the same route, after a meeting on the Museumplein against the corona measures. Since those measures were not complied with, the police disbanded the protest, including with water cannons. A large group of demonstrators then marched through the city and some were locked in by the police on Leidsekade, after which there were disturbances.