Activist Frank van der Linde has filed summary proceedings against the emergency ordinance that is currently in force in the city. He wants to demonstrate on Dam Square on Sunday afternoon. In any case, no demonstrations should take place this weekend. “My client announced the pro-Gaza demonstration this morning, and the mayor did not respond to it. We are now challenging this through the courts,” said Willem Jebbink, Van der Linde’s lawyer.
Van der Linde announced the demonstration this morning. He wants to be on Dam Square tomorrow at 2 p.m. According to the activist, the regulation issued by Halsema goes against civil liberties and the constitution. “I am in shock about the events of the past few days. The ban on demonstrations on top of that is a shame. Right now people need to be able to express their anger,” Van der Linde said.
Emergency ordinance
The emergency ordinance has been in force in the city since Friday evening at 7 p.m. According to Jebbink, it is ‘very worrying that the government is silencing citizens throughout Amsterdam and Amstelveen for three days’. The municipality tells AT5 that people cannot demonstrate alone in the city. “Amstelveen is not included here.”
“The use of emergency regulations is a means of putting our civil liberties aside. That in itself is worth a demonstration. With its total ban, the public administration is circumventing the human rights treaties, the Constitution and the Public Manifestations Act, because a demonstration can only be prohibited in exceptional cases.” “, said Jebbink.
A digital hearing will take place tomorrow morning at 11:00 am. Journalists can follow this live. The preliminary relief judge of the Amsterdam District Court will judge the case.
Demonstrations and Declarations: A Legal Lament in Amsterdam
Well, well, well! It appears Amsterdam is once more in a bit of a pickle. Frank van der Linde, our valiant activist with a penchant for protest, has decided to take a swing at the city’s emergency ordinance. Yes, folks, it’s that time again! He wants to rally on Dam Square this Sunday—precisely at 2 p.m. But, before you grab your protest placards and prepare your battle cries, hold your horses! The city has banned all demonstrations this weekend. It’s almost as if they’re expecting a renaissance fair, complete with jousting matches and a very stern queen!
It’s All Going to Court!
Frank’s legal eagle, Willem Jebbink, has leapt into action, quick as a flash. “My client announced the pro-Gaza demonstration this morning, and the mayor did not respond to it,” he termed dramatically, as if the mayor’s silence is the new version of ‘the dog ate my homework’. Seriously, it’s not like they’re discussing a bake sale!
In light of recent events—some of which have been as pleasant as a flat tire in a monsoon—Van der Linde insists that the legal ruckus surrounding civil liberties must be brought to the forefront. “I am in shock about the events of the past few days. The ban on demonstrations on top of that is a shame. Right now, people need to be able to express their anger,” quoth our noble activist, sounding akin to the tragic hero in a Shakespearean play. You can almost hear the dramatic music swelling in the background.
But seriously, can the government just silence citizens for three days? According to Jebbink, it’s “very worrying”. I mean, what’s next? The authorities banning people from wearing socks with sandals for a ‘fashion emergency’? Or perhaps a temporary ban on social media rants? The mind boggles!
Emergency Ordinance? What’s That?
Let’s get down to brass tacks here. The emergency ordinance—or as I like to call it, the “Shut Up and Sit Down” rule—has been in play since Friday evening at 7 p.m. It’s akin to someone declaring a household rule that’s designed to quell any impromptu dance parties… which is just devastating! Jebbink argues that this kind of suppression isn’t just a blip on the radar—it’s a full-on right hook to civil liberties.
He throws down the gauntlet with a fiery proclamation: “The use of emergency regulations is a means of putting our civil liberties aside. With its total ban, the public administration is circumventing the human rights treaties, the Constitution, and the Public Manifestations Act.”
Worthy words, no doubt! It’s like declaring a national holiday where you can’t leave the house. Who wouldn’t want to protest that?
What’s Next?
So, what’s going down? A digital hearing is set for tomorrow morning at 11:00 a.m., where you can tune in and watch the drama unfold live! It’ll be like reality TV, but with fewer Kardashians and more courtroom shenanigans. Isn’t that just delightful? Our preliminary relief judge of the Amsterdam District Court will determine the outcome, and you’ll want to grab your popcorn—because this is bound to be a spectacle!
Ultimately, this situation is not just about one man’s ambition to stand on a soapbox in the middle of a square—though let’s be frank, he’s probably just looking for a reason to wear a ‘Defend Democracy’ T-shirt. It’s about the greater implications for our freedoms. And remember, folks, if we don’t keep good old civil liberties on the agenda, the next thing you know, they’ll be having you submit a form before you even think about raising your voice!
Stay tuned as we watch this saga unfold—it promises to be as exciting as watching paint dry! Honestly, I can’t wait!
Activist Frank van der Linde has initiated summary proceedings against the emergency ordinance currently enforced in Amsterdam, reflecting a growing tension between civic engagement and government regulation. He aims to hold a demonstration on the iconic Dam Square this Sunday afternoon, despite the city’s directive against gatherings this weekend. “My client announced the pro-Gaza demonstration this morning, and the mayor did not respond to it. We are now challenging this through the courts,” stated Willem Jebbink, who serves as Van der Linde’s legal counsel.
Van der Linde plans to gather at Dam Square at 2 p.m. tomorrow, and he vocally opposes the measures taken by Mayor Halsema. “The regulation issued by her administration undermines our fundamental civil liberties and goes against the very principles enshrined in our constitution. I am in shock about the events of the past few days. The ban on demonstrations on top of that is a shame. Right now people need to be able to express their anger,” expressed Van der Linde, emphasizing the urgency for public expression in light of recent events.
Emergency ordinance
The emergency ordinance has been in force in the city since Friday evening at 7 p.m., raising significant concerns among citizens and activists alike. According to Jebbink, the government’s actions are ‘very worrying’ as they effectively curtail the right to assemble across both Amsterdam and nearby Amstelveen for a three-day period. The municipality has clarified to AT5 that individuals cannot demonstrate alone within the city’s limits. “Amstelveen is not included here,” they noted, which raises questions about the applicability of restrictions in neighboring areas.
“The use of emergency regulations is a means of putting our civil liberties aside. That in itself is worth a demonstration. With its total ban, the public administration is circumventing human rights treaties, the Constitution, and the Public Manifestations Act, because a demonstration can only be prohibited in exceptional cases,” Jebbink articulated, underlining the serious implications of such a regulatory approach.
A digital hearing will take place tomorrow morning at 11:00 am, providing an important platform for discussion and legal recourse. Journalists will have the opportunity to follow the proceedings live, as the preliminary relief judge of the Amsterdam District Court assesses the case’s merits.
**Interview with Activist Frank van der Linde**
**Editor:** Good afternoon, Frank. Thank you for joining us. Let’s jump straight in. Can you tell us what motivated you to file the summary proceedings against the emergency ordinance in Amsterdam?
**Frank van der Linde:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The motivation stems largely from a deep concern for our civil liberties. With the emergency ordinance that was implemented without proper dialogue, it seems the city is prioritizing control over our right to protest. I believe that in such turbulent times, it is crucial for citizens to have a platform to express their opinions and emotions. This ban is a direct attack on those rights.
**Editor:** You mentioned wanting to demonstrate on Dam Square at 2 p.m. tomorrow. What message are you hoping to convey during this protest?
**Frank van der Linde:** The demonstration is centered around supporting Gaza and standing in solidarity with those affected. Right now, people are feeling a lot of anger and sadness about recent events in the region, and they deserve a space to express those feelings. My goal is to bring people together and amplify their voices—silencing that is simply unacceptable.
**Editor:** Your lawyer, Willem Jebbink, argued that the city’s actions circumvent human rights treaties and constitutional rights. Do you feel confident about the outcome of the court proceedings tomorrow?
**Frank van der Linde:** I do have hope. We are standing up for our constitutional rights, and historically, the courts have upheld civil liberties when they are challenged. It is essential that we maintain our freedoms, and I firmly believe that the judge will recognize the importance of allowing citizens to gather peacefully, even during times of emergency.
**Editor:** The city has stated that no demonstrations can occur this weekend due to concerns about public safety. How do you respond to that reasoning?
**Frank van der Linde:** Public safety is undoubtedly important, but it should not come at the cost of our freedoms. Peaceful demonstrations can be organized safely with proper measures in place. The sweeping ban that covers all gatherings lacks nuance and, frankly, seems to be more about stifling dissent than ensuring safety. We can find a balance, but it requires communication and openness from the authorities.
**Editor:** what would you say to those who are hesitant to support your call for protest given the current tensions?
**Frank van der Linde:** I completely understand the hesitations given how volatile things are right now, but it’s important to remember that our rights to protest and express ourselves should remain intact regardless of the circumstances. If we let fear dictate our civil liberties, we risk losing them permanently. I urge everyone to consider the broader implications of this situation and to stand with us in defending our rights.
**Editor:** Thank you, Frank. We’ll be watching closely as the court hearings unfold tomorrow. Good luck with your cause!
**Frank van der Linde:** Thank you! I appreciate the platform to share my thoughts.
