A general fireworks ban, as the mayor of Amsterdam proposed on Sunday following a restless New Year’s Eve, is not seen in Antwerp as the solution to the phenomenon of the end-of-year riots. “It simply comes down to taking a firm stand once morest such rioters. In Antwerp, with preventive house arrest, we have an administrative measure that should contribute to public peace and safety. We are now going to evaluate that measure,” says Johan Vermant, spokesperson of mayor Bart De Wever (N-VA).
Several large cities at home and abroad have had a restless end-of-year night. In some places, rioters have even thrown firecrackers at police officers and aid workers. Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema therefore pleaded for the introduction of a national fireworks ban on Sunday.
LOOK. Vandals set fire to car with fireworks in Ekeren
Although the Dutch regulations regarding the sale of fireworks differ from those in Belgium, a general ban on the sale would probably overshoot its target here, says Johan Vermant.
“There is the online supply of illegal fireworks and the sale in neighboring countries such as France. In addition, we also see other criminal acts, such as harassment of local residents and emergency services, the vandalization of street furniture and vehicles, and arson attacks. These will not disappear due to a general ban on the sale of fireworks.”
House arrest
In Antwerp, the private use of fireworks has been banned for a long time. According to Vermant, resolute action must be taken once morest rioters. For example, 27 young people known as habitual offenders were placed under house arrest during New Year’s Eve, a measure that the city will now evaluate. “These end-of-year riots are a phenomenon of recent years in larger cities. Those who participate in them must receive a clear signal. There is no place in our urban community for those who spoil the partying for others,” says Vermant.
LOOK. Ilyas (18) is under house arrest by Antwerp mayor De Wever during New Year’s Eve: “After one stupid event I am counted among the rioters”
Read also: “Immediately following the victim was declared dead, fireworks exploded everywhere in our direction”: Brussels paramedic (34) testifies how he was pelted following attempting resuscitation (+)
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