Riots in Rotterdam: “Orgy of violence”

Rioters throw stones and set cars on fire, the police respond with shots: A demonstration against corona rules escalated in Rotterdam. The mayor is alarmed by the violence.

After the riots during protests in Rotterdam against stricter corona rules, the Netherlands are shocked at the extent of the riots.

Justice Minister Ferd Grapperhaus spoke of “extreme violence against the police, emergency services and firefighters”. Everything is done “to track down the rioters” and “punish” them.

Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb called the riot an “orgy of violence”. The police were even forced to draw their guns and fire shots, he said at a press conference.

Fireworks ignited

According to the police, several hundred rioters started fires on sidewalks and streets, set police cars on fire, set off fireworks and threw stones at the emergency services. The police said they gave warning shots and also targeted people. At least seven people were injured, and about 20 people were arrested that night.

Blazing flames could be seen in pictures from the NOS broadcaster, chairs were thrown and dumpsters pushed onto the street. A police car was on fire. The police tried to restore order with a large contingent. Police units from all over the country were concentrated in the port city.

Local media reported that soccer hooligans were involved in the riot. The police opened an investigation into what happens whenever Dutch officers use their weapons.

Police expect further arrests

The riot police and a water cannon restored calm after midnight. The police expect further arrests. The city government banned gatherings in the affected area in order to “maintain public order”. “This is a very serious situation that requires action with the highest priority,” it said.

It was one of the worst outbreaks of violence in the Netherlands since restrictions to contain the coronavirus were first imposed last year. Rioters attacked the police back in January and set fire to the streets of Rotterdam after a curfew went into effect.

Partial lockdown due to high numbers of infections

In the Netherlands, a partial lockdown has been in effect again since last weekend due to the increasing number of corona infections. According to the current rules, bars, restaurants and shops for daily needs such as supermarkets must close by 8 p.m. at the latest, other shops as early as 6 p.m. Citizens are only allowed to meet a maximum of four other people in their apartments, employees should work from home if possible.