Utrecht on high alert as rival protests set to take place

Large parts of Utrecht, including the city center, are a security risk area today as rival demonstrations unfold. Police are authorized to conduct preventive searches between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., Mayor Sharon Dijksma said.

The anti-fascist protest “Samen tegen Fascisme” is taking place at Moreelsepark after a court upheld the mayor’s decision to move the demonstration from Domplein. Organizers had sought to hold the march on the square and through city streets, but the court ruled that the Moreelsepark location is sufficient for security. According to the ruling, the park is easier to secure, has fewer access points, and sees less pedestrian traffic than the Domplein. The court also said the mayor’s interest in ensuring the demonstration’s safety outweighs the demonstrators’ preference for location.

The organizers of “Samen tegen Fascisme” criticized the decision, calling it “outright stupid.” They argued that the park is closer to the anti-immigration protest site and the station where those demonstrators are gathering, which they say reduces safety and unnecessarily restricts the right to demonstrate. “The municipality and court yield to fascist intimidation in the name of neutrality,” the group said.

The anti-immigration group Nederland in Opstand (NIO) had planned to protest at Park Paardenveld but canceled its official demonstration. Authorities expect unaffiliated demonstrators, some reportedly from Defend Netherlands, to appear. Marching through the city is banned. Socialist groups are holding a counter-protest at Moreelsepark, saying they aim to “resist far-right and fascist violence” with the message: “Refugees are welcome, but Nazis are not.”

Violence has occurred at previous demonstrations. On October 14 in Houten, about 300 participants, including members of Defend Netherlands, Freedom Fighters, and Harde Kern FCU, threw fireworks, wood, and glass at police and counter-protesters. Seven arrests were made for incitement, assault, and wearing face coverings.

Separately, AZC Alert Sliedrecht canceled its Saturday protest over safety concerns, citing the risk of hooligans and fireworks. The group said on Facebook: “We wish things could have been different, but even a peaceful protest carries certain risks.”