Mayor Halsema: Seen with great horror how Hamas was supported

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema has expressed strong condemnation following a pro-Palestinian demonstration on the Dam square where participants displayed banners supporting Hamas and referencing the October 7 attacks. Halsema, speaking on behalf of police leadership, described the slogans as shocking and distasteful, expressing deep regret that the monument was used for such expressions. Although the Public Prosecution Service initially determined the slogans did not constitute criminal offenses, preventing police intervention at the scene, the situation escalated later that evening. When protesters moved toward the Weesperstraat while continuing to display the banners, authorities were forced to act. The demonstrators refused to relocate to the designated Stoperaplein, leading the Mobile Unit to intervene and disperse the crowd due to fears of public disorder. The mayor emphasized that while the right to demonstrate is protected, these specific expressions crossed a line that caused significant distress to the city and local leadership.