Riot warning in Amsterdam-Oost as banned pro-Palestinian protest forms on Dam Square

A multicultural association based in Amsterdam-Oost warned that it learned of the possibility that people might attempt to riot in the city’s eastern district. The Assadaaka Community group issued the appeal against violence on Wednesday evening, as pro-Palestinian activists also gathered on Dam Square in the city center.

All protests and rallies have been banned in the city as part of an emergency order after Israeli and Jewish football fans and hooligans were attacked in Amsterdam last week. The Maccabi Tel Aviv football supporters were accused of provoking Palestinian supporters with vandalism and offensive statements, but that was “no excuse” for the excessive violence that followed the Israeli club’s match against Ajax on Thursday. An estimated 35 people were hurt, and roughly 70 people were arrested as a result of violence, and then more rioting broke out in the days that followed.

The Assadaaka Community said it saw evidence that young people may try to cause unrest in Oost district on Wednesday evening. They organization called upon them to abandon their plans, and to stop the violent behavior.

There were concerns of aggravated assault, public violence, vandalism, looting, theft, and destruction of property. The association warned that those who do riot can be arrested and run the risk of a criminal record. “Think about your future!”

There were no reports of rioting by 7 p.m., as a few hundred pro-Palestinian activists gathered on Dam Square. They demonstrated despite the ban on rallies and protests at that location. Organizers were given a last-minute exemption to the emergency order, but only if they gathered on the Westergasterrein in the Westerpark.

There were a few clashes between the police and protesters. Officers arrived to monitor the protest in large numbers. Those protesters on Dam Square were shouting and singing slogans, including “Fuck the police, no justice, no peace,” and “The people united will never be defeated.”

Two people were quickly arrested at the rally. They were accused of wearing clothing that covered their face, a police spokesperson said. The police were positioned on one side of the group but did not immediately intervene. At least one of the arrests happened before 6:30 p.m.

Frank van der Linde was at the scene, and said the demonstration would not move to the Westergasterrein. He is the activist who unsuccessfully attempted to get a court to issue a temporary injunction against the ban.

The emergency ordinance will be in effect in the capital until at least noon on Thursday. The measure was announced on Friday evening because of the violence after the Ajax - Maccabi Tel Aviv match.