Some of those present, about fifteen people, are wearing camouflage clothing or wearing a beret. Symbols characteristic of the demonstrations against the corona measures can also be seen, such as a yellow vest and a crossed-out QR code.
The first arraigned is a 56-year-old man from Almere. He is suspected of public assault. Action group Netherlands in Resistance called on to be at the court an hour before his arraignment: “Because they are always ready for us. Now we are ready for them!” After this first hearing, a decision will be made on whether to grant the pre-trial detention of four other men in connection with public assault or assault on a police officer.
Police officers are present outside the court in Amsterdam.
The presence of the action group was announced and is part of a three-day protest in various places in the country of the Netherlands in Resistance.
Various places
According to the Netherlands in Resistance, demonstrations are planned until Sunday. For example, there are actions on Wednesday in Amsterdam South and in the center on Dam Square, but also in Staphorst, Blerick, Emmen and Wageningen.
The action group also calls on shops that are still open to close them during the protest days in solidarity with the businesses that are forced to close.
The turnout on Dam Square in Amsterdam on Wednesday afternoon has been meager so far, Telegraaf reporter Daniel van Dam said on Twitter. “So far little enthusiasm to go ‘drinking coffee’ on Dam Square.”
Disruption of public order
Amsterdam does not prohibit the protests in advance. Last Sunday that was the case on the Museumplein. However, the municipality does not fear disruption of public order, unlike on Sunday.
It was then decided to ban because, according to the municipality, the organization refused to cooperate in a safe and orderly course of the demonstration. She would also have threatened to seek confrontation. Nevertheless, thousands of people came to the Museumplein. When they refused to leave, the riot police sprang into action. A large group then went to the Westerpark, where there was a manifestation of Forum for Democracy. Later, a few hundred demonstrators returned to the Museumplein.