Officers concerned about rioters with heavy fireworks: “Waiting for serious accidents”

Last night it was hit again . Images show that even the command car of the ME, from which the police called for everyone to leave Mercatorplein, was pelted with fireworks. “These are just scenes where you think, we have to get out soon, what will we get thrown at us,” says Fred Driessen of trade union ANPV.

In the past, Driessen himself was a group commander at the riot police. He describes the heavy fireworks on Mercatorplein as ‘explosives’. “It remains to be seen until really serious accidents will happen. That is what many colleagues are very afraid of. That they will be permanently injured by such a firework bomb and possibly become disabled.”

Maarten Brink of trade union ACP says it is shocking how easy it is to throw heavy and illegal fireworks at police officers. “This is life-threatening and can lead to serious injury or worse. Illegal fireworks are a big problem. In addition, the ACP It is very sad to see how, in this case football, is used by rioters to grossly disregard public order. It is hoped that many will be arrested and prosecuted.”

Also last night, the police had to use German water cannons, which are operated by German agents, because of the danger of blowing tires at the Dutch water throwers. “Actually, it’s sad,” Driessen admits. “But it’s nice that it is possible. And for colleagues it is very nice that they have the back-up of the water thrower. Because a water thrower can do more than thirty men on a line.”

Agents had to come from all over the country for the deployment during the matches of the Moroccan national team. The Mobile Unit is not a full-time position, but something that police officers do in addition to their regular work. Driessen fears that the great effort during the matches of the Moroccan national team can therefore ensure that there are fewer police on the street at other times and that fewer investigations are carried out.