Dutch Protesters Held at Egypt Checkpoints for Gaza March

About 35 Dutch citizens spent the night between Friday and Saturday in custody after trying to join a protest march for Gaza in Egypt. The group was taking part in the Global March to Gaza, which was halted at two toll gates along the road between Cairo and Ismailia. All those who were being held have been released, a spokesman for the Dutch delegation said.

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After being forced to surrender their passports, the group, as well as hundreds of other international participants, was kept in the sun for hours without access to food or water, they said. Some said they themselves were beaten by the police and unidentified men described as "thugs," the spokesperson said.

Detained, Bused, and Charged
The marchers, after a long detention, were placed on buses — the Dutch participants among them. Some were taken back to Tahrir Square in Cairo, as others were only allowed to proceed after paying around 50 euros each, according to the witnesses. The purpose of the payments is not known.

A further 65 Dutch are in Egypt in anticipation of joining the protest march which was due to leave from El Arish to the Rafah border crossing with Gaza this weekend. But the spokesman says the march cannot actually take place unless it is officially approved by Egyptian authorities.

Plans on Ice as Safety Comes First
With questions still lingering, Saturday is a Dutch holiday. "While there are alternative plans, they are not being published for the safety of the delegation," the spokesperson responded. Earlier this week, several other Dutch nationals were held at Cairo airport and deported in what has become an obstacle in the organization of the protest.