Heemskerk man arrested for spreading false posts that fueled youth unrest in Beverwijk
A 20-year-old man from Heemskerk was arrested Friday evening for spreading false information and incitement on social media related to the escalating conflicts between youth groups in Beverwijk and Heemskerk, the police said Saturday. Authorities did not disclose the exact content of the posts.
The arrest comes after five secondary schools in the two towns were closed on Friday amid fears of violence. Authorities had issued emergency decrees banning gatherings and face-covering clothing to prevent further incidents.
Footage of violent attacks between rival youth groups, including a video showing a boy being kicked in the head, and AI-generated videos of school explosions, reportedly circulated on social media, heightening concerns among students and parents.
Earlier clashes between rival groups of youths had already caused unrest in the area. Videos shared online included violent scenes presented as “victories,” and parents warned each other not to send children to school. Local sports clubs advised young members to avoid going out alone in the evenings.
Despite the warnings and social media posts, the police reported that Friday and overnight were calm, with no new incidents occurring in either Beverwijk or Heemskerk. “This shows that the messages circulating are false,” the police said.
