Amsterdam police use of force at 2024 pro-Palestinian rally deemed excessive but lawful
Police and prosecutors concluded that the 2024 Amsterdam pro-Palestinian demonstration was handled with unnecessary force, yet the actions were not illegal.
A police internal review determined that the Mobile Unit’s intervention at a prohibited pro-Palestinian rally on Amsterdam’s Dam on 13 November 2024 was more forceful than required and disproportionate, but the Public Prosecution Service ruled the conduct did not contravene the Police Act. The protest, banned under an emergency ordinance following violent clashes with Israeli supporters, was redirected to the Westergasterrein, and participants who refused to disperse were escorted by bus to the Westelijk Havengebied.
Video recordings captured officers using batons on demonstrators, including individuals on the ground. After 28 complaints were filed, prosecutors opened an independent investigation and found no violation of police guidelines, resulting in no prosecutions. Police officials cited a lack of liaison and poor communication between units as contributing factors and said they aim to learn from the incident.
Why it matters
It highlights concerns over police proportionality and accountability during public protests in the Netherlands.
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