Loud bangs on Wednesday near Riel. At the De Kiek military site, the operation of illegal fireworks was shown to representatives of ten European countries. The Netherlands also wants them to ban heavy fireworks. “We want to get rid of this. I feel the bang right through my body,” says Ko Minderhoud of the National Police.
The heavy fireworks displayed on the site are not sold in the Netherlands. Countries such as the Czech Republic, Poland and Albania do sell the ‘explosives’. Representatives of those countries were present to see how destructive the fireworks are. This type of fireworks was used, for example, in the mistaken attack in Nieuwkuijk in which a woman lost her lower leg.
Not just on New Year’s Eve
“In the Netherlands we are currently leading the way in attacks, explosions and violence against emergency workers with these types of tools,” says Minderhoud as he shows a Cobra 20 arrow. A similar arrow was used last year in a mistaken attack in which a woman lost her lower leg.
The National Police is calling for a fireworks ban in many surrounding countries. “But its production in particular must be limited. That is a really big problem.”
Whether the demonstration has an effect remains to be seen in the near future. From this year onwards, a national fireworks ban for consumers will apply in the Netherlands at least.
