In a disturbing series of events, violent clashes erupted surrounding a gathering of the Eritrean community at a venue in The Hague, leaving at least four police officers injured.
“Out of nowhere, our colleagues were confronted with very intense and serious violence,” stated Chief Commander Mariëlle van Vulpen. “It is deeply regrettable that colleagues have been injured, and other emergency responders were severely assaulted. This is unacceptable.”
Several individuals have been arrested, and the police are also reaching out to witnesses for further information.
During the unrest, rioters brandished sticks, the streets were littered with bricks, and vehicles, including cars and a tour bus, were set ablaze.
Mayor Van Zanen of The Hague condemned the riots in his city as “appalling and unacceptable.”
He announced late in the evening that the Public Prosecution Service has initiated a Major Investigation Team to prosecute the perpetrators.
Earlier, the municipality of The Hague revealed that the gathering at Opera, a local venue, was organized by pro-government Eritreans.
The venue management described it as a New Year’s celebration.
Opponents of the regime reportedly attended the event, leading to the outbreak of disturbances.
Myra Koomen, a former politician now serving as a spokesperson for the Eritrean community in the Netherlands, informed NOS that approximately 500 to 600 people were celebrating at the venue.
She maintained that the gathering was apolitical, and guests did not venture outside to engage with opponents.
Mayor Van Zanen noted that tensions often arise at gatherings of the Eritrean community, referring likely to a massive brawl in Rijswijk last year.
Consequently, measures were implemented in consultation with the venue and event organizers, including increased security and the readiness of additional police units.
Following reports of confrontations instigated by youths associated with the Eritrean organisation ‘Brigade Nhamedu,’ an emergency order was issued.
Mayor Van Zanen also authorised the use of tear gas to disperse the rioters.
The Brigade Nhamedu comprises mainly Eritrean youth living outside Eritrea and has been involved in similar incidents in Sweden, Canada, and the USA.
Mayor Van Zanen further described how the firefighters faced significant hindrances during their efforts to extinguish fires, including burning police and civilian vehicles.
The fire also spread to the venue itself.
Eventually, the police managed to restore calm in the vicinity, allowing firefighters to continue their operations.
Transportation was arranged in collaboration with the event organisers to safely evacuate attendees from the city.
The condemnation of the violence extends beyond The Hague’s mayor, with various political figures expressing their outrage.
The ACP police union deemed the violence “utterly unacceptable,” while local politicians called for swift and decisive action against the perpetrators.
Minister Yesilgöz of Justice and Security echoed the sentiments, stating, “What happened tonight in The Hague is completely unacceptable. Attacking emergency responders during their duties is beyond the pale. This behaviour will not go unpunished.”
Wat er vanavond in Den Haag is gebeurd is compleet onacceptabel. Hulpverleners die worden aangevallen tijdens hun werk gaat alle perken te buiten. Dit gedrag blijft niet zonder consequenties.
Ik wil de politie, brandweer en ambulancepersoneel bedanken voor hun tomeloze inzet.…— Dilan Yesilgöz – Zegerius (@DilanYesilgoz) February 17, 2024
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