Kick Out Zwarte Piet in Yerseke attacked with eggs, emergency order in effect

The municipality of Reimerswaal issued an emergency order on Saturday regarding the arrival of Sinterklaas in the village of Yerseke. The municipality of Zeeland received specific indications from the police that "disturbers of the peace" are present. The emergency order means, among other things, that people must leave Yerseke and the surrounding area if the police call them to do so.

In Yerseke, about twenty activists from the activist group Kick Out Zwarte Piet (KOZP) protested against the presence of completely black-painted Piets at the arrival of Sinterklaas in the village. They were pelted with dozens of eggs and hundreds of counter-demonstrators on the move, an ANP reporter says. A few hundred meters further, the arrival of Sinterklaas is in progress. Shortly after 1:00 p.m., the police intervened in the counter-demonstration. At least two people were arrested.

The municipality of Reimerswaal, which includes Yerseke, issued an emergency order on Saturday regarding the arrival of Sinterklaas. "There are concrete indications from the police that there are troublemakers present," the municipality said.

"I ask everyone: respect each other and the children's party and take your responsibility," says mayor José van Egmond. "Together we ensure a festive and safe arrival."

The emergency order of the municipality of Reimerswaal states, among other things, that there were calls on social media "to come to the Sinterklaas procession in Yerseke to disrupt demonstrations there". There is "serious fear" of the occurrence of "riots or other serious disorder". The emergency order applies as long as that "fear of serious disorder" exists.

This year is the 14th year of KOZP’s existence. Progress has been made in that time, but the organization still sees black people being confronted with “racists in blackface” in the smaller municipality. KOZP leader Jerry Afriyie said that many people “do not take the time to understand why this is wrong,” or they change their appearance slightly so they are not bothered.

Dozens demonstrate against Zwarte Piet in Middelharnis

Dozens of people are demonstrating against Black Pete in the South Holland town of Middelharnis (Goeree-Overflakkee) on Saturday afternoon. The supporters of the action group Kick Out Zwarte Piet (KOZP) are standing on one side of the harbor where Sinterklaas is supposed to arrive around 2:00 p.m. On the other side of the water, dozens of people have gathered, shouting slogans against the activists and giving the middle fingers.

The members of KOZP shouted, among other things, "Middelharnis, shame on you" and "Away with Zwarte Piet". KOZP leader Jerry Afriyie is also among the demonstrators. A few days ago, the municipality of Goeree-Overflakkee said it had received signals that opponents of KOZP wanted to disrupt the protest. The police are present en masse and are monitoring, including with vans and a police boat. There is also a drone hanging above the village.

An ANP reporter said that opponents of KOZP occasionally threw eggs and apples in the direction of the action group. Several younger participants were checked by the police.

The arrival of Sinterklaas in Middelharnis started just after 2:00 p.m. Around that time, many people were standing on the quays around the harbor.