Over 30 arrested at Enschede demonstrations

By Janene Pieters on September 18, 2017 - 07:59
Anti-fascist demonstrators block the way of a Fortress Europe, Pegida march in Enschede, 17 Sept 2017
Anti-fascist demonstrators block the way of a Fortress Europe, Pegida march in Enschede, 17 Sept 2017. (Photo: @Laatzenietlopen / Twitter)

A total of 32 people were arrested during demonstrations in Enschede by extreme right-wing collaboration group Fortress Europe, which includes Pegida, and anti-fascist groups No-Hogesa and AFA on Sunday. All but one of the detainees were released from custody during the course of the day, ANP reports.

The suspect still in custody was a speaker during one of the demonstrations. He is suspected of insulting groups of people and discrimination.

The other detainees are suspected of less serious offenses. These include wearing face-covering clothing, illegal weapons possession, disruption of public order, and failing to identify themselves. More arrests may follow. The demonstrations were recorded, and the police are looking through the footage for any crimes. 

There were no major incidents during the demonstrations, the municipality of Enschede said, according to the news wire. According to the municipality, the police managed to stop several clashes between the different groups. 

German band Kategorie C. performed at the Fortress Europe demonstration on Boulevards 1945. The demonstration included speakers from Finland, Germany, Austria and England, among others. 

The anti-fascist groups gathered in Volkspark for their counter-demonstrations.

A police spokesperson told ANP that only one of the demonstrations involved speeches, but would not confirm that the arrested speaker was detained at the Fortress Europe demonstration. 

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