British conspiracy theorist David Icke is not welcome to speak via video link at a demonstration on Dam Square in Amsterdam on Sunday. Mayor Femke Halsema has banned the use of a screen, the ANP news agency reported on Saturday evening. According to the mayor, the risk of disorder would be too great.
Icke, a notorious spreader of conspiracy theories and anti-Semitic ideas, would be virtually present at a ‘peace demonstration’ on Dam Square. However, Halsema has decided that only speakers who are physically present may use a sound system for amplification. Icke is no longer allowed to enter the Netherlands.
Halsema fears unannounced counter-protests at a speech by Icke. In combination with crowds in the city, this could lead to “uncontrollable situations”, requiring the police to intervene, according to Halsema. “Given the unrest and protests caused by his anti-Semitic ideas and the statements he has made in the past, it is expected that his online presence will also provoke (spontaneous) opposition this time,” the mayor writes in a letter to the mayor, according to ANP. organization of the demonstration.
Icke has had an entry ban for the entire Schengen area since November 2022. That year, the Brit wanted to speak at a demonstration of the anti-government coalition Samen voor Nederland in Amsterdam. Shortly before, he was denied access. Icke was already on his way at the time, but turned around.
The organization of the demonstration expects approximately 1,500 people on Sunday. Several speakers have been invited to the demonstration, including Member of Parliament Gideon van Meijeren (Forum for Democracy). The protest starts on Dam Square, after which the participants march to Museumplein.
Also read
Conspiracy theorist David Icke has been talking about ‘reptiles’ for years