Amsterdam expands security zone ahead of anti-immigration protest
Amsterdam authorities have declared a large portion of the city center a security risk area ahead of an anti-immigration demonstration planned for Saturday afternoon at Museumplein, RTL reported.
The expanded zone now includes Centraal Station, the Red Light District, Nieuwmarkt, Dam Square, and Rembrandtplein. Police have the authority to conduct preventive searches, and wearing face coverings is prohibited.
The number of participants expected is unknown, and both police and city officials declined to provide RTL with estimates. The organizing group, Nederland in Opstand, urged participants to keep the protest peaceful. Originally, the demonstration was set for Dam Square, but officials moved it to Museumplein citing safety concerns.
Authorities noted that the Netherlands national soccer team will play in the Johan Cruijff ArenA tonight, bringing additional crowds to the city center and Dam Square. Multiple counter-demonstrations are planned, including one at Jonas Daniël Meijerplein under the motto “Samen tegen fascisme” (“Together against fascism”).
Organizers must comply with strict rules: marchers must follow the designated route from Museumplein via Overtoom and Amstelveenseweg back to Museumplein.
Participants are prohibited from wearing face coverings or carrying items that could disrupt public order. The organizers are required to provide their own security personnel.
As a precaution, the Van Gogh Museum will remain closed. The Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum will remain open to the public.
