In brief
Schools in the Dutch towns of Beverwijk and Heemskerk have closed for the day as a precaution against a surge in violence involving rival youth groups. The decision follows incidents of physical assaults and disturbing online content pertaining to school safety. Local authorities, including Mayor Martijn Smit, have declared a three-day emergency order to prevent gatherings and ensure public safety amid rising tensions.
Secondary schools in two neighbouring towns in the Netherlands have been instructed to close as a result of a recent spike in violence among youth. The closure affects five schools in Beverwijk and Heemskerk.
Officials took this measure to restore calm after various videos surfaced showing teenagers being assaulted, alongside AI-generated clips depicting fake explosions at local schools.
Beverwijk's Mayor, Martijn Smit, enacted a three-day emergency ban on gatherings of three or more individuals in an attempt to mitigate the risk of further violence, particularly around the use of firearms.
“Parents were worried about their children going into school," Smit stated on NOS Radio, emphasizing the decision to take a day off for peace before returning to normalcy on Monday.
The unrest has been attributed to two opposing youth factions, which recently began their altercations after significant damage was incurred at a school in Beverwijk. Following this, a 22-year-old male was detained for vandalism.
Incidents escalated, leading to severe injuries to one student. Unverified footage circulating on TikTok shows an individual being violently assaulted.
Smit expressed concern over the alarming trend of graphic videos being circulated that involve abuse. He remarked, “People's pants are being ripped off, their genitals are being filmed and posted online - and really I think that's enough.”
Dutch Justice Minister, Foort van Oosten, lamented the need for such extreme measures, highlighting that children should have the right to attend school without fear.
Local police are working collaboratively to re-establish safety and order in the area, empowered by emergency powers allowing them to conduct preventive checks and disperse large groups. In light of the tensions, sports activities have also been suspended in the community.
Caroline de Plas, leader of the BBB farmer-citizen movement, remarked on the distressing state of affairs, stating, “It’s difficult to imagine this going on in normal life.”
