Amsterdam cops break up anti-Israel rally after court upholds ban

Riot police in Amsterdam are breaking up a pro-Palestinian protest after a court upheld a ban on demonstrations following an outbreak of antisemitic attacks on Israeli soccer fans last week.

Hundreds of demonstrators defied the prohibition to gather in the Dutch capital’s Dam square, chanting demands for an end to violence in Gaza and “Free Palestine.”

Amsterdam op dit moment. Trek die lat omhoog https://t.co/Or2EzWEZxT pic.twitter.com/efsCZzVJhS

— Frans (@FransMaassen9) November 10, 2024

But after a local court ratified the city authorities’ ban, police have moved in, instructing protesters to leave and threatening arrest. Several people are dragged away by police, a Reuters journalist says.

Achter de politiebussen die toegang tot de Dam bieden, is een menigte te horen die liederen zingt en leuzen scandeert. Er wordt dus wel gedemonstreerd vandaag, alleen niet op de Dam. pic.twitter.com/8PAVp4raxH

— Cas van Berkel (@casvanberkel) November 10, 2024

Local police chief Olivier Dutilh told the court on Sunday that the ban was still needed as antisemitic incidents were also reported on Saturday night, local TV station AT5 reports.

Dutilh told the court that people had been pushed out of taxis and intimidated by others who asked to see their passports on the streets.