More arrests in third night of trouble in towns
across the Netherlands
Crime Society
November 22, 2021 Riot police in action in Leeuwarden. Photo: ANP / Hollands
Hoogte / Anton Kappers
Police made
a further 28 arrests at least on Sunday night, in the third night of trouble in
towns and cities across the Netherlands. In Enschede and Groningen, gangs of
youths set off fireworks, smashed shop windows and trashed bicycles and there
were several arrests. In Roosendaal, rampaging youths set several fires, including
one close to a primary school. In Tilburg, where there were no arrests, groups
of youngsters set off fireworks and set fire to waste bins, broadcaster NOS
reported. There were also problems again in Stein and Roermond, where at least
five arrests were made for drugs offences. Earlier in the day there were again
problems in Rotterdam, and 24 people were arrested after trouble outside the
Kuip football stadium. In Leeuwarden too, fireworks were set off outside the
Cambuur stadium and riot police were brought in. Supporters have been banned
from live games because of the coronavirus measures. Curfew riots The NRC said
in its analysis of the trouble that the situation is very similar to those in
February, when the curfew was introduced. ‘On the first night, there were too
few police on duty because they had not predicted the size of the crowd –
result, serious violence,’ the paper said. ‘On the second evening, copycat
behaviour in other towns and villages, but less violence because there were
more police on the ground.’ Public safety expert Marnix Eysink Smeets told the
NRC the trouble is down to a combination of factors – anger over the possible
introduction of 2G, the ban on football supporters and, on Friday, the
announcement that there would be a ban on New Year fireworks. ‘That is a
sensitive issue in the neighbourhoods where the troublemakers come from,’ he
said. Hooligans Nevertheless, the paper said, it is important not to blame all
the trouble on the coronavirus protests. In Rotterdam, where 49 people were
arrested on Friday night, the troublemakers consisted off those out for a fight
and youngsters in hoodies with mopeds, who were behind the curfew riots.
Criminologist Marijke Drogt told the paper that the rioting was a ‘carnival of
crime’, carried out by people who simply enjoy it. Fighting with the riot
police is the evening escape, she told the paper.
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