Six arrests at Wilders hearing after knives, pepper spray found

Six people were arrested on their way to the high security court in Amsterdam, where a pre-trial hearing in the hate speech trial against PVV leader Geert Wilders is underway. Knives and pepper spray were found in their possession, broadcaster NOS reports.

The arrests were made by the Koninklijke Marechaussee, a policing force that works as a branch of the military. The high security court is located on Schiphol, and the marechaussee is responsible for security at the airport.

According to the marechaussee, the six suspects were on their way to protest in front of the court. They were spread out in three cars. Pepper spray and knives were found in the cars. It is unclear what exactly the six were planning, or whether they are supporters or opponents of Wilders.

A demonstration by anti-Islam movement Pegida is already underway in front of the court.

Pegida-betogers met varkensmutsen steunen Wilders aan beveiligde rechtbank https://t.co/C59xRChjxM pic.twitter.com/wWR7hKTwmA

— PEGIDA Trends (@Pegidizer) March 18, 2016