Dutch law enforcement dismantled an unauthorized New Year’s Eve gathering of hundreds, defying the country’s COVID-19 restrictions. On New Year’s Eve, hundreds of officers and a fleet of ten police buses were deployed to a former factory in Rijswijk, central Netherlands, as the public broadcaster NOS detailed on Saturday.
The intervention was peaceful; however, several arrests were made, according to Omroep Gelderland. The unsanctioned dance party reportedly commenced on New Year’s Eve within a former brick factory’s warehouse. Locals noted numerous vehicles with German, French, Spanish, and Italian registration plates parked outside the structure.
Buren’s mayor, whose municipality encompasses Rijswijk, denounced the event via Twitter. “This gathering is unlawful and prohibited,” stated Josan Meijers. “Furthermore, it’s deeply inappropriate during the Corona crisis. The rules apply equally to all,” he emphasized, referencing the Netherlands’ COVID-19 measures.
In response to surging COVID-19 cases and the Omicron variant’s spread, the Netherlands implemented a new lockdown a week before Christmas. Non-essential businesses, including pubs, cinemas, museums, and theaters, must remain closed until January 14th. In-person classes in schools are slated to resume no earlier than January 10th. Outdoor gatherings are limited to a maximum of two individuals, with exceptions for funerals, among others.
Similarly, an unauthorized rave transpired on New Year’s Eve in Saint-Florentin, a small town in eastern France, approximately two hours from Paris. Authorities reported securing the location and conducting drug screenings on attendees. The local prosecutor’s office has launched an inquiry.
