Two arrested in Assen city center as banned Pegida Quran-burning protest sparks unrest

The planned Pegida demonstration in Assen on Sunday afternoon was banned at the last minute by Mayor Marco Out due to public safety concerns. The right-wing group had intended to burn a Quran near the Assen courthouse.

Tensions flared in the city center around 1:30 p.m., with several groups gathering who may have intended to attend the demonstration, RTV Drenthe reported. Fireworks were set off, and dozens of people remained near the planned demonstration site shortly after 2 p.m. Police confirmed two arrests: one person for violating a restricted area order, and a second individual for reasons not disclosed.

Two individuals were temporarily detained by officers in a police van, reportedly for setting off fireworks. Some bystanders brought eggs, which were thrown at the courthouse and one police vehicle, leaving it stained.

Police were stationed at multiple locations, and vehicles were towed near the courthouse due to a parking ban, a municipal spokesperson said. Police also responded to a suspicious bag left near Drostenlaan, close to the Drents Museum. The area was cordoned off as explosives experts from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) were called in to inspect the bag.