Utrecht cultural center ACU cancels concert after far-right demonstration planned

Utrecht’s political-cultural center ACU has canceled a concert scheduled for Wednesday, after coordinating with the band. The event had previously been brought forward by a day because of a planned far-right demonstration on Thursday. According to an ACU spokesperson, the decision was driven by concerns for the safety of volunteers and attendees.

The spokesperson emphasized that there was no single triggering event. Online responses, however, contributed to the decision. “People aren’t completely comfortable with what could occur tonight and tomorrow,” they said.

The group Defend Netherlands, which has previously been involved in events including the Malieveld riots in The Hague, had planned an action at ACU. They stated their aim was to honor French far-right activist Quentin Deranque, who was fatally beaten last week in Lyon during an altercation with suspected radical-left activists.

ACU chose to close on Thursday because of the planned commemoration and rescheduled the concert for Wednesday. The center is currently looking for a new date for the performance.

Utrecht’s municipal authorities say they are not part of the decision. The city is preparing for Thursday’s demonstration on Voorstraat "as it does for any protest," a spokesperson said. At this time, no special safety zone will be set up. The municipality does not know the expected number of participants. Although the demonstration has not been officially registered, registration is not mandatory.

ACU stated that it does not condone violence that results in death, no matter who the target is. "Every life lost is tragic. As a social and political space, we are firmly opposed to lethal violence," the statement read.

The center also rejects "far-right ideologies that promote division, exclusion, and hatred." For decades, the political-cultural center has served as a hub for “solidarity, anti-fascism, emancipation, and collective organizing,” and it intends to maintain that role.

ACU urges people to remain calm and act responsibly. "Escalation benefits no one and only deepens societal polarization and tension."