No arrests after pro-Palestinian protests in Utrecht, 32 in Amsterdam | Domestic

In Utrecht, about forty demonstrators were taken away by bus during the night from Wednesday to Thursday. According to it Digital University Magazine DUB they were dropped off at the door of the detention center in Houten and were allowed to go home without further consequences.

In Utrecht, a Utrecht University building at Drift 25 was occupied on Wednesday. The police announced via X on Wednesday evening that it had been decided to evacuate the building due to trespassing. Earlier in the day there was already a demonstration on Domplein.

Protesters prepared for a long sit-down. An attendee ANPreporter saw full shopping bags with food being brought in. When the action started, there were still students in the building, who were very shocked. Some are said to have left the building crying.

According to the spokesperson for the Utrecht police, the streets were quiet again around 2:30 am. No destruction was found in the building occupied by the demonstrators.

All buildings at Utrecht University will remain closed until Monday morning at 8:00 am. The university wants to “prevent further nuisance and potentially unsafe situations”. The university “urgently appeals to all its students to maintain peace, prevent further escalation and continue to treat each other with respect.”

The activists want the university to cut all ties with Israeli institutions. For the same reason, buildings at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) have been occupied since Tuesday. The university entered into discussions with the demonstrators, but was unable to reach a solution. A report was then filed and the demonstration was disbanded.

Immediately afterwards the police took action. Protesters were ordered to leave, but did not comply. The police then decided to intervene. Officers made several arrests, but large groups of demonstrators were only removed from the site and not arrested. This allowed a large group to gather again on the Rokin to continue the demonstration.

There the police were again pelted with eggs and stones and attacked with crush barriers. According to police, ammonia was also thrown at officers. Ultimately, the mobile unit also had to be involved here. The demonstration was disbanded around 9:45 p.m., after which riot police cleared the square.

In contrast to Utrecht, arrests have been made in Amsterdam. 32 people have been arrested for public violence, destruction, assault and incitement.

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