Two arrested after renewed unrest in Amsterdam’s Floradorp

Two people were arrested after renewed unrest in Floradorp, Amsterdam-Noord, on Monday evening, police said. A 39-year-old man is accused of throwing fireworks at officers, while a 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of public violence, according to an ANP report published by Nieuws.nl. [1]

A group of residents gathered near Sneeuwbalstraat late in the afternoon. Fireworks were set off and small fires lit on the road; later, stones and glass were thrown towards police, the report said.

The unrest follows a dispute over the traditional New Year’s Eve bonfire. Residents received a letter last week from Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema outlining an alternative plan, after the bonfire was no longer permitted. The report said groups of young people began rioting in response and that riot police were deployed several times last week.

Police said residents were concerned about the unrest and that officers and youth workers had been present in the neighbourhood to build contact. Police said they were visible and in plain clothes on Monday evening. [1]