Amsterdam firefighter suspended for racism

A firefighter in the Amsterdam-Amstelland fire department was suspended for making racist comments to a colleague, a spokesperson for the fire department confirmed to the Telegraaf on Sunday.

The suspended firefighter is employed as a commander in the fire department. The spokesperson could give no further information about the firefighter or the investigation against him.

In February another firefighter in the same corps was also suspended for racist statements. This suspension was later reversed by a judge.

In July former Amsterdam mayor Eberhard van der Laan wrote a letter to the city council in which he expressed his concern about the culture in the Amsterdam fire department. He specifically mentioned signs of racism, discrimination and bullying within the corps.