Former Police Chief: Curfew riots were criminal, not about COVID measures

The Dutch police had advised the government against imposing a curfew, warning it would be a "huge infringement" on fundamental rights, strain police resources, and was unnecessary for enforcing COVID-19 measures. The police also feared it could incite further unrest and anti-government sentiment.

However, the government proceeded with the curfew due to escalating infection rates. "It wasn't necessary from our side," said former National Police Chief Henk van Essen during his testimony to the parliamentary inquiry committee on Corona. Van Essen took over the role of chief shortly after the pandemic began and was tasked with enforcing the measures.

During the initial four days of the curfew, approximately 95,000 fines were issued. Van Essen noted the initial aim was to set a strong norm. He described the riots that occurred as stemming from boredom, discontent, lack of daytime activities, and despair over the pandemic's duration. Police responses varied, with some officers issuing fines and others opting for warnings.

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The curfew riots had nothing to do with corona measures. It was deliberately seeking confrontation and wanting to loot. It was criminal behavior.

Van Essen highlighted internal discussions within the police force regarding the measures and acknowledged that public resistance and dissatisfaction grew, though most of society complied. "What is different from them agreeing with it. We asked very much, perhaps too much, of society," he stated.

Regarding the significant violence during the curfew in early 2021, which saw riots in cities like Enschede, Urk, and Eindhoven, Van Essen described it as "exceptionally intense for society and for the police." He explained that the riots, which lasted about five days, were not driven by opposition to COVID-19 measures but by a desire for confrontation and looting. "It was criminal behavior," Van Essen asserted, distinguishing rioters from genuine protesters against the government's COVID-19 policies. He suggested that the government's communication had not adequately considered the grievances of opponents, failing to show understanding for their concerns or acknowledge counterarguments.

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We asked very much, perhaps too much, of society.