Protest at Concertgebouw Leads to 22 Arrests

Smoke Bombs and Police Intervention

Police arrested twenty-two demonstrators during the protest, which occurred between the Museumplein and the Concertgebouw. Red and green smoke bombs were released as hundreds of demonstrators assembled on Museumplein to protest against Abrahmson's concert. A police officer received minor injuries after police intervened.

Demonstrators were carrying Palestinian flags and shouting slogans at both the Concertgebouw and the Israeli Defence Force (IDF). Some of their chants were directed towards the Concertgebouw ("Concertgebouw, you shame the blood is on your hands") and towards the IDF ("Death to the IDF"). There were also shout-outs for "Child Murderers," which referred to the 20,179 children killed by Israeli bombing and the starvation of the people of Gaza.

Arrests and Legal Action

As demonstrators gathered behind a fence, police instructed demonstrators to remain within their designated area. The police told demonstrators that they could demonstrate if the demonstration was orderly. Riot police formed a line at the barricades to separate demonstrators from spectators who were not part of the demonstration. Additional barricades were added to keep protesters away from other attendees at the venue.

Those who were arrested are being charged with violations of the Public Assemblies Act (WOM), the General Local Law (APV), and possession of pyrotechnics. Arrested individuals will be interviewed by investigators, after which a decision regarding further legal action will be made by the courts.

The Background of the Controversy

As Abrahmson is often invited to perform at IDF functions, this was one reason people opposed his performance. Subsequently, after the public response to his concert, the Concertgebouw initially decided to cancel the event, but after negotiations with both Abrahmson and the concert promoters, the event moved forward on the same day.