The police fired targeted shots on Tuesday evening during a farmers’ protest at a driveway to the A32 near Heerenveen, reports the Fryslân police†
According to the police, a threatening situation arose when protesters tried to drive into officers and official cars, which were blocking access to the highway. Warning shots were then fired and an officer also fired targeted. No one was injured, but a tractor was hit. Three people have been arrested.
Because a police officer fired shots, the National Criminal Investigation Department will investigate the incident.
Also read: Farmers destroyed Natura 2000 area in Stroe, Staatsbosbeheer files a report
Member of Parliament Caroline van der Plas of the BoerBurgerBeweging wants an emergency debate with Prime Minister Rutte on Wednesday about the escalation of farmers’ protests. “Have seen images of shots fired at farmers in Friesland,” she writes on Twitter† “This is going wrong, I said last week. And it goes wrong.”
Protests elsewhere
On Tuesday evening, farmers also campaigned on the A50 between Arnhem and Apeldoorn. There was a short-lived blockade and hay bales and car tires were set on fire. Distribution centers in Geldermalsen and Weert were also blocked for some time.
Wednesday morning farmers will protest at Groningen Airport Eeldemayor Marcel Thijsen van Tynaarlo and director Meiltje de Groot of the airport confirmed on Tuesday evening RTV Drenthe† According to the mayor, there has been contact between the farmers, the Public Prosecution Service, the police and the municipality and the protest is “in close consultation with the authorities”.