Activist wants Amsterdam emergency decree removed through summary proceedings

Activist Frank van der Linde has initiated summary proceedings against the emergency decree that has been in force in Amsterdam since Friday evening. The decree prohibits the holding of demonstrations. According to van der Linde, this violates civil liberties and the constitution, his lawyer said.

The activist wants to demonstrate against the genocide in Gaza on Dam Square on Sunday at 2 p.m., but also because “we are being denied the right to demonstrate”. He calls the emergency decree “crazy”. “An emergency decree is really the very last resort that a constitutional state should use. Mayor Halsema always says that the right to demonstrate is sacrosanct, but this emergency decree contradicts her own words. If we don't do something about this spasm of the mayor now, where will it end?” Van der Linde wonders.

The emergency decree, which includes a ban on demonstrations and a ban on wearing face-covering clothing, went into effect at 7 p.m. on Friday and will remain in effect until 7 a.m. on Monday. The measure was introduced in response to the violence against supporters of the Israeli football club Maccabi Tel Aviv last Thursday evening and night. The Maccabi supporters were filmed, followed, and attacked after the match against Ajax when they walked to their hotel, the Telegraaf reported. Five people were hospitalized, and 30 others suffered minor injuries, police said.

Even though the emergency decree expires Monday morning, Van der Linde says he finds it important enough to take action against it now. It is a matter of principle, he says.

The summary proceedings will be heard digitally before the Amsterdam court on Sunday morning.