4 months Ago
Disruption After Boycott Motion Fails
The council was discussing a citizen's proposal to boycott Israeli goods and organisations in response to ongoing attacks and blockades affecting the Palestinian people in Gaza. When it became clear the motion would not pass, the protesters became loud and confrontational. Mayor Dijksma suspended the meeting and asked them to leave, but when they refused, she personally escorted the group out, using some physical contact to guide them.
Dijksma later explained that she decided to handle the situation herself because involving the police might have led to harsher measures. Outside the building, as she tried to return inside, a physical altercation broke out. The mayor found herself in the middle of the scuffle but did not confirm if she was injured. Security staff intervened and took her away by car.
Meeting Resumes Amid Ongoing Tensions
Since the protesters continued to block the main entrance, Dijksma re-entered the council chamber through a back door and resumed the meeting about 30 minutes later. She described the whole event as "very intense" and expressed understanding for the protesters' pain and frustration, especially recalling a Syrian friend who had learned earlier that day about a family member's death.
However, the mayor also stated that accusing her personally of having "blood on your hands" was inappropriate and harmful to the kind of constructive dialogue needed. She further suggested that the protesters should have demonstrated outside the council chamber to avoid police involvement and its serious consequences.
