Amsterdam moves anti-immigration protest from Dam Square to Museumplein on Sunday
The anti-immigration demonstration called “Nederland in opstand,” which is planned for Sunday afternoon in Amsterdam, will now take place at Museumplein instead of Dam Square. Mayor Femke Halsema made the decision together with the police chief and public prosecutor under the Public Assemblies Act, while also introducing extra measures to ensure the event remains orderly.
Following discussions with the organizers, the demonstration will both start and conclude at Museumplein after a march. A security risk zone will be in place around Museumplein and along the demonstration route on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., during which the police can frisk all attendees.
Each year, Amsterdam sees over 3,000 demonstrations, with more than half held at Dam Square, particularly on weekends. This frequently leads to disruptions for nearby residents and businesses, while the presence of shoppers adds further challenges for police.
The decision is related to a busy day in the city. For example, the Dutch national football team will play on Sunday at the Johan Cruyff Arena, meaning many fans will be in the city center and at Dam Square. Officials say the overlap of the demonstration with these events raises the risk of disturbances, particularly if counter-protests occur.
Due to this growing pressure, the city’s municipal triangle increasingly seeks alternative locations to safely facilitate demonstrations.
Mayor Halsema emphasizes that demonstrating is a fundamental right. According to the Public Assemblies Act, the mayor may only impose regulations when there are risks to public order, traffic safety, or health. The move to Museumplein is an example of this.
Several anti-immigration protests have turned violent recently. With the most notable example being the riots in The Hague on September 20. The riots are estimated to have cost 55,000 euros of damage.
