The action group, Kick Out Zwarte Piet (KOZP) is only allowed to demonstrate on Eindhoven’s Stadhuisplein on Saturday.
This is Mayor John Jorritsma’s decision, a Municipality has confirmed. Jorritsma wants to prevent riots between Zwarte Piet supporters and opponents. Protestors want to make a statement against Zwarte Piet on Saturday. They are not welcome on 18 Septemberplein and at the Catharina Church. Last year, KOZP members were present at the annual Sinterklaas parade, and things got out of hand.
The police expect there will be problems again if the protestors gather at the church. The Municipality says there are no indications yet that there will be pro-Zwarte Piet demonstrators on KOZP’ s protest on Saturday.
The protest was announced in response to the Pietenparade. There are traditionally many Zwarte Pieten among the participants. A demonstration spot was also assigned to Kick Out Zwarte Piet and Eindhoven Kan Het (Eindhoven Can Do It) during the Sinterklaas parade. KOZP, however, cancelled their protest shortly before the start of the event.
Source: www.studio040.nl
Translator: Bob
Editor: Melinda Walraven
