In Arnhem, Netherlands (site of a famous WW2 battle), Dutch Pegida leader Edwin Wagensveld attempted to burn a Koran. Police were deployed to keep counter-demonstrators at a distance. As Wagensveld began to burn a Koran, he was attacked and had to be taken away by police for his safety.
The below article from NOS News (Netherlands) is translated by Fousesquawk. There is video available, and we are attempting to provide English subtitles for one of the videos. In addition, this link to Algemeen Dagblad has several images of the incident.
As I have previously stated, while I don't think it should criminalized, I question the wisdom of burning Korans, an act that offends every Muslim on the planet, peaceful or otherwise. I believe that what is in the Koran should be subject to honest discussion, therefore, I agree with those who say, "Don't burn the Koran-read it-and understand it." I would add that I don't agree with the violence that results in police being injured while trying to keep peace.
https://nos.nl/artikel/2504772-pegida-voorman-met-geweld-afgehouden-van-koranverbranding
NOS News-Today at 18:19
Pegida leader violently prevented from burning Koran
In Arnhem, an action by Pegida leader Edwin Wagensveld got out of hand. Counter-demonstrators wanted to stop Wagensveld from burning a Koran on Jans Square and sought a confrontation. Wagensveld was taken away by police for his own safety.
Due to the escalation, Mayor Marcouch issued an emergency order and called in the Mobile Unit (riot police) to stop the violent crowd. In the disturbances, several police and the Pegida leader were slightly injured. Thus far, there have been three arrests. The police have opened an investigation.
"There were rocks and fireworks thrown, and the police barrier was violently broken through," Marcouch tells NOS (News). "I understand sadness and emotion, but not expressions of violence."
Registered
Wagensveld had registered his action on the Jans Square in Arnhem to the municipality several weeks ago. According to the mayor, the demonstration met all the conditions, and so the leader of the radical-right group got permission for the Koran burning.
In the video images, it can be seen how Wagensveld tries to set a Koran on fire while the police and the Mobile Unit keep the counter-demonstrators at a distance. A counter-demonstrator breaks through the wall of police officers, runs up to the Pegida leader, and kicks him.
See here the images of the events on the Jans Square in Arnhem.
Caption in video: Edwin Wagensveld attacked as he tries to burn a Koran
Before the escalation, Mayor Marcouch was also on the square. He engaged in conversation with the counter-demonstrators and asked them to find another location for the counter-demonstration.
Wagensveld is the leader of the radical-right group, Pegida. He has been arrested several times in the past. In November last year, he was sentenced to 40 hours of community service for insulting Muslims. In an action in the Second Chamber (Parliament), he tore up a Koran and compared Muslims to Nazis.
No comments:
Post a Comment