Zandvoort Pride attendee physically, verbally assaulted; Minor arrested
A visitor to Pride Zandvoort was beaten and verbally abused on Monday. The police arrested a minor suspect. Investigators consider it likely that this was a hate crime - that the child attacked the Pride visitor due to their sexual orientation.
The assault happened on the Grote Krocht in Zandvoort, where the final day of the annual Pride on the Beach festival was taking place. The victim did not need to go to the hospital after the attack.
The police quickly identified and arrested the young suspect using security camera footage. The police have not released any information regarding the child’s age or place of residence.
Investigators are looking for witnesses and people with relevant video footage. “Do not post this on social media, as this is harmful to the victim,” the police stressed.
On Monday, the LGBTQIA+ organization Report it Always said that it had already received over 70 reports of discrimination since the start of WorldPride in Amsterdam on Saturday. Most of the reports came from people who were confronted with discrimination on their way home from the Milkshake festival and during or around the Pride Walk. The organization usually receives a few reports per day.
