Police officer hurt during pro-Kurdish demonstration in Amsterdam
A police officer was injured during a brief scuffle at a pro-Kurdish demonstration in central Amsterdam, authorities said, as protests over violence against Kurds in Syria continued in both Amsterdam and Arnhem.
It was initially reported that one person was arrested during the Rokin incident. Police later said a police officer was also injured. A man walking past the demonstration reportedly shouted what officers described as “incendiary words.” Demonstrators then attacked the man, prompting police to intervene. During that intervention, one police officer was injured but did not require hospital treatment. Police reported that an ambulance took away the injured man who had shouted the remarks.
The scuffle followed a large march earlier in the day that drew several thousand pro-Kurdish demonstrators through central Amsterdam. Aside from the Rokin incident, the demonstration was described as largely peaceful.
In Arnhem, hundreds of people gathered at Velperplein in the city center, where they waved Kurdish flags and held banners protesting the execution and humiliation of Kurds in Syria. Demonstrators chanted slogans including “Free Kurdistan.” The protest followed earlier demonstrations at the same location this week.
Arnhem Mayor Ahmed Marcouch said rising tensions linked to the situation in Syria are contributing to confrontations across Europe. “You see that violence is being provoked back and forth, whether or not via social media,” Marcouch said. He confirmed that Arnhem has also seen incidents, noting that a man was arrested Tuesday evening at a protest on Velperplein after pepper spray was used.
The demonstrations are part of a broader wave of pro-Kurdish protests in Europe following a major offensive by Syrian government forces against Kurdish fighters in northeastern Syria.
The area was long controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces, a Kurdish-led coalition, before government troops advanced with support from local Arab militias. Among parts of the Arab population, there is strong resentment toward the SDF, including allegations of recruiting child soldiers.
Graphic and largely unverified images are circulating on social media, showing alleged abuse. Reports include claims of murder, looting, and sexual violence. Images have circulated of Kurdish women having their hair forcibly shaved or cut.
