News item | 07-02-2024 | 18:27
The Minister of Justice and Security, the police and the Public Prosecution Service (OM) had emergency consultations this morning about the farmers’ protests in recent days, the highway blockades by Extintion Rebellion and protests during which objectionable slogans are chanted.
The measure is full: this is not demonstrating, these are not protests, these are illegal actions or even the commission of crimes. The activists cannot get away with that. The Public Prosecution Service and the police, in collaboration with the competent authority, take firm action and also consider the options for fining and prosecuting afterwards. The identity details are determined and registered. The Public Prosecution Service has the impression that serious criminal offenses were committed on Monday evening. Two people have now been arrested. These actions undermine support for the right to demonstrate. The right to demonstrate must not be abused.
On Monday evening, several highways were blocked, agricultural vehicles were driven on the highway, fireworks were set off and fires were set. This creates dangerous situations for road users and emergency services. Together we looked back at the actions, enforcement and possible prosecution of the activists who committed serious misconduct.
Yesterday, a national staff large-scale special performance started. This means that the police are preparing nationally to quickly distribute deployment and police capacity and in this way to act as effectively as possible, also in the event of any future incidents involving such criminal offenses. In the coming period, direct action will be taken as much as possible against activists who commit crimes. If there is no other option, they will be fined and prosecuted afterwards.