At the demonstration requested by Pegida, a Quran was to be burned. A counter-demonstration took place, after which the municipality and police tried to direct the counter-demonstration to the designated area. A group mingled with the counter-demonstrators who began to use violence. To maintain safety and public order, the police escalated their response, including deploying riot police. Ultimately, the demonstration had to be terminated.
Subsequently, vandalism occurred in the shopping center. A state of emergency was declared for the center, after which the situation was brought under control. Fortunately, no officers were injured. However, damage was caused to a police van, among other things.
During and after the demonstration, a total of seven suspects were arrested. Three suspects were arrested for public violence, two suspects were arrested for not complying with an order. One suspect was arrested for incitement. All six suspects are still in custody. One suspect was arrested for insult. He was released last night.
Who has tips?
The police, under the direction of the Public Prosecution Service, is starting an investigation into the outsiders responsible for the violence and incitement. Images are already circulating on (social) media, but the police are also looking for more footage showing the disturbances. If you have images or tips that can assist in the investigation, please call the police at 0900 - 8844.
