About 200 demonstrators were present yesterday at the Lieve Vrouwenplein during the information meeting. The police were present to facilitate the demonstration and distributed flyers outlining the guidelines and rules regarding this demonstration. We, as police, value the right to demonstrate and allow space for everyones viewpoint but draw the line at committing criminal offenses. Around 8:00 PM, the atmosphere at Lieve Vrouwenplein changed. A large group of people moved towards the Kruisherenkapel and was stopped by officers. A 46-year-old man from Uden was arrested after he refused to leave despite multiple requests. Shortly thereafter, two more men (38 from Bergeijk and 44 from Veghel) were arrested for setting off illegal heavy fireworks and throwing glass.
Deployment of ME
The ME was deployed to counter further disturbances. The mayor decided to end the demonstration, after which we repeatedly called on all present demonstrators to leave. The majority of the demonstrators complied with the call to leave and went home. A small group remained behind, deliberately seeking confrontation with the ME. Fireworks were set off, stones were thrown, and pepper spray was directed at the officers. The ME carried out several charges, after which the group dispersed and calm returned. We know that there were also people from outside Uden, such as Oss and Roosendaal, involved in this group. We arrested three more men, aged 19 and 39 from Uden and 19 years from Stramproy. Only the man who sprayed pepper spray is still in custody; the rest of the suspects were released last night and today.