Valreep squatters muscled out of Amsterdam Oost

Squatters in the Valreep squat on the Polderweg in Amsterdam East are heavily resisting their forced eviction from the building. Because they have been organizing several actions, they do not see the justification in being told to leave the old animal sanctuary before the 21st of July, AT5 reports. The building De Valreep was tuned into a squat two-and-a-half years ago. The squatters were allowed to live in the building by district East as long as there were no concrete plans for the area. The squatters fixed up the building and have turned it into a community center. Now that the neighboring shopping area Oostpoort is finished, the district wants the building back. The squatters themselves believe that they deserve a place in the newly built area seeing as they have been organizing various community events over the last years, including yoga classes. Thijs Reuten of district Oost wants the squatters to take up contact with the project developers if they want to stay. These project developers do not want to cooperate, however, according to the squatters. The district also reports that one of the interested entrepreneurs has reported the squatters for alleged intimidation. In a letter to the squatters, the mayor has requested they not work against contractors and future owners. The mayor has also been asked by the district to speed up the eviction process. The squatters are starting a case against the municipality, which will start on 14 May.