Three Rotterdam primary schools closed today over threat of violent protest

Three primary schools in Rotterdam are staying closed on Wednesday due to a call for a “violent demonstration.” The call mentions the schoolyard of the Dominicus Child Center on Noorderhaverkade. The Jenaplan school De Blijberg and Dalton school De Magriet, which share the same complex, will also remain closed, the police confirmed to Rijnmond.

The Domincus Child Center said on Tuesday afternoon that it would remain closed on Wednesday due to the threat. The RVKO school board made that decision in consultation with the police. On Tuesday evening, the school boards of De Margriet and De Blijberg informed parents that they wouldn’t be open on Wednesday either.

“Because our school is in the immediate vicinity of the Dominicus, we have consulted with the municipality and police about this,” Michelle Struick, the director of primary education of the BOOR Foundation, which covers both schools, wrote to parents. “Although it is expected that the action is not aimed at our schools, we are still choosing to be safe. To eliminate any risk, we are closing the school.”

The police told Rijnmond that they received an anonymous tip about the call for a violent demonstration. The police are taking the matter “very seriously,” a spokesperson said.

There will be extra police surveillance in the area surrounding the schools on Wednesday to ensure public order.