Hoorn municipal council wants a “broad city discussion” about, among other things, the statue of Jan Pieterszoon Coen and the Black Lives Matter movement. At the end of last week it was restless in the city around the statue of VOC leader JP Coen. The municipality is shocked by the violence used by some demonstrators.
Friday there were protests against the statue on the square Roode Steen. Opponents believe that Coen is wrongly worshiped as a hero. “Coen brought us a lot of prosperity, but was also very rough with the population,” said a protester. “He killed thousands of people. You shouldn’t be applauding or walking after that.” Proponents said they wanted to stand up for “our culture, traditions and heritage”.
After the demonstrations it became restless in the city. People were arrested who wanted to go to the statue, which was forbidden beforehand. Protesters threw patio furniture and stones, and officers and police horses were attacked. A journalist from the Telegraaf was assaulted.
All sounds
According to the municipality, the demonstration was abused by some. “It had nothing to do with freedom of speech at all. It is simply unacceptable, antisocial behavior.”
According to the board, the tone of the debate is not good. “What worries us is that disagreements too often lead to vulgar abuse or worse.”
The municipality emphasizes that the discussion about JP Coen may be conducted. “Time and time again. That is part of a free and democratic society.” According to the municipality, the intention is also to talk about unequal opportunities, black lives matter, racism, discrimination and feelings of exclusion. “In Hoorn everyone is equal and everyone counts. We want to organize an open and broad city discussion, in which all the sounds are brought to the table.”
The municipality is still thinking about a good form for the conversation. Anyone who has ideas about it can share it. More clarity is needed after the summer, reports NH News.
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