Worthy Christian News > World News > The Netherlands In Civil War Mode After Curfew Riots In Christian Fishing Town (Worthy News In-Depth)

The Netherlands In Civil War Mode After Curfew Riots In Christian Fishing Town (Worthy News In-Depth)

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

(Worthy News) – The historic Dutch town of Urk is an unlikely place for riots. This picture-perfect place is famous for its churches, and religion has always played a vital part in daily life. But last weekend, frustration boiled over into violence in this God-fearing fishing community.

As a nationwide night-time curfew came into force to limit the spread of COVID-19, youths in Urk attacked and torched a coronavirus testing facility at the town’s port. The curfew is the country’s first since World War Two. The authorities say it’s necessary to halt the pandemic amid concerns about new variants and a lack of coronavirus vaccines.

Health officials claim some 13,500 people have died from COVID-19 in the Netherlands, which has a population of around 17 million.

Matthias Declercq isn’t surprised by the violence in Urk. He’s a Belgian Flemish writer who once lived in the town and wrote a book called ‘The Discovery of Urk .’ “Throughout history, Urk had difficulties with regulations pushed from above. It’s a village known for its unruly mentality,” he noted.

“Youth rioting today had their unofficial autonomous state in Urk’s industrial area with even illegal pubs. They explode fireworks on Saturday but are among those attending church on Sunday.”

URK’S UPRISING SPREADING

Urk’s uprising against the curfew last weekend quickly spread to other Dutch cities and towns. Mayors and other authorities in the Netherlands have even warned of civil war following the worst riots in decades.

Hundreds of people were detained and several injured in the protests over increasingly restrictive coronavirus measures in this usually Liberal nation. Some began as peaceful protests but ended in violence and looting in cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam. The clashes continued for four consecutive nights, and tensions remain high.

And the mayor of one city has warned of civil war. At one point, the authorities were even considering asking for police support in neighboring Germany and Belgium. Ahmed Aboutaleb, the popular mayor of Rotterdam, lashed out at rioters in an online video message.

“It’s now 12 hours after the riots. Have you woken up already? Do you have a good feeling that you destroyed our city? That you damaged the entrepreneurs of your city?” he wondered, smiling sarcastically.

“And what did you do with the things you steal from a jewelry shop or the Zeeman clothing store? Do you feel good to wake up with a bag full of stolen articles? And parents, where were you? You didn’t wonder where your son was?”

PRIME MINISTER FURIOUS

Prime Minister Mark Rutte has also taken a firm stance. “What happened to these people. It has nothing to do with protesting for freedom. It is criminal violence, and we will deal with it as such.”

In some places, outnumbered police received unexpected support. In the city of Maastricht, hardcore soccer fans helped law enforcement protect shops and said they’d defend their town against the rioters.

Elsewhere, crowdfunding was organized for a woman whose shop was destroyed. She described the act as a terrorist attack. But while many have condemned the violence, some commentators have accused the government of fueling anger by imposing increasingly restrictive measures.

And there’s growing support for peaceful protests against what many Dutch see as draconian coronavirus measures in this usually Liberal country.

At an emotionally charged debate in Parliament, anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders condemned the night curfew from 9 p.m.till 4:30 a.m. Wilders now lives in a safe house surrounded by guards because of death threats he’s received for his right-wing views. “I fight for the freedom of people to leave their home whenever they want responsibly. And prevent the government from deciding when you can leave your home,” he told Prime Minister Rutte.

CURFEW IS NECESSARY

“This curfew is not necessary, and many many scientists agree. And I am here standing for freedom. I lost my freedom. And I know who it feels,” Wilders added. “And I don’t accept that a night curfew is being enforced while there are alternatives to tackle this pandemic. Don’t take away the people’s freedom with nonsense stories.”

Some peaceful protesters claim the police provoked the rioters by using water cannons and beating demonstrators. In Amsterdam’s Museum Square, q woman was close to tears when recalling the confrontation.
“This is peaceful. But before I had to run away. I was hoping that it would remain peaceful. I am fearful that this is happening.”

Elsewhere, a sign was attached to a traffic sign. It says: “I understand you are angry. But violence isn’t the solution.” Signed: “a normal girl.”

Until recently, the Netherlands had some of Europe’s most lenient covid rules. And the violence has rocked Dutch society.

The government says it won’t bow to the rioters and that the curfew will remain in place. And in Urk, they may be forgiven for praying for peace these days.