Several hundred gather in Amsterdam to pay tribute to controversial COVID-19 activist

Around 400 people gathered Sunday afternoon at Museumplein in Amsterdam to commemorate Michel Reijinga, who died earlier this week at age 56, De Telegraaf reports.

Reijinga became known for his protests against COVID-19 measures, which often took the form of "coffee drinking" gatherings on Museumplein during a period when demonstrations were banned. These weekly meetings attracted large crowds and frequently ended in confrontations with police and riot control units.

Several attendees at Sunday’s event expressed their appreciation for Reijinga’s activism against lockdowns and coronavirus vaccinations. “He meant a lot to us during a time when we were vilified,” one participant told De Telegraaf.

Among those present was Willem Engel, leader of the group Viruswaarheid. Two tractors adorned with inverted Dutch flags stood near the crowd. One farmer, participating in the event, explained to De Telegraaf that he had joined several tractor protests during the pandemic and had also demonstrated against nitrogen emissions policies. He said Reijinga advocated for farmers’ interests as well.

Welmoed, who declined to share her last name, distributed yellow umbrellas at the event. She created the umbrellas during the pandemic as a symbol of peaceful protest against COVID-19 policies, according to De Telegraaf. The umbrellas bear hearts and words such as “love” and “freedom.” On Sunday, she handed out the umbrellas again as a tribute to Reijinga.

A family member has started a crowdfunding campaign to cover Reijinga’s funeral costs. By Sunday afternoon, more than 9,500 euros had been raised. The funeral will be held privately.