Edwin Wagensveld, the head of the Dutch branch of the anti-Islam organization Pegida, was injured during a demonstration in Arnhem where he intended to burn a copy of the Quran, NL Times reported. Despite the intervention of the riot police, counter-demonstrators managed to attack him. Three police officers also suffered injuries.
Mayor’s response
Mayor Ahmed Marcouch expressed his disappointment at the violence used during the protest. He acknowledged the emotional impact of burning a holy book but emphasized that violence is unacceptable. “You have to fight ideas with ideas,” he said.
Three people have been arrested, and more arrests may follow in the coming days, as there is clear footage of the incident.
Protest
Wagensveld had received permission from the municipality to burn a Quran on Jansplein together with ten others. The city stated that the protest was “within the framework of law and regulations.” However, this action caused significant unrest within the Muslim community. A flyer from a mosque organization circulated on Friday, calling for a counter-demonstration. Despite several requests, the counter-demonstrators refused to move to the nearby Willemsplein. An emergency order was then imposed, and the riot police intervened.
Aftermath
Wagensveld, who has been arrested several times during demonstrations by the anti-Islam group and has previously been convicted for violating Dutch hate speech laws, was initially taken away by the police to ensure his safety. He later returned to the square to carry out his action. However, when officers and Wagensveld were attacked, the demonstration was permanently disbanded.
Mosque organizations’ response
In response to the Pegida protest in Arnhem, various organizations representing Islamic mosques joined together under the group name K7, and have called on mayors in the Netherlands to ban demonstrations in which holy books are destroyed. They believe that such manifestations are contrary to religious freedom, based on case law from the European Court of Human Rights.
Together with policy monitoring group, Monitor Politieke Ontwikkeling, K7 has shared its “Step-by-step plan against Quran desecration” with the Association of Dutch Municipalities and the Dutch Association of Mayors. The plan is a manual for mayors to act decisively when notified of a demonstration that involves the destruction of the Quran or other holy books.
The mosque organizations released their statement in response to the Pegida protest in Arnhem. They stated that with their initiative, they are “contributing to more harmony and peace in society and to create clarity regarding the framework of freedom of expression.”
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