KOZP and NLWB win objection case over Slochteren demonstration

Bekijk alles
July 12, 2024
News items
Previous
Next

Kick Out Zwarte Piet (KOZP) and Stichting Nederland Wordt Beter (NLWB) peacefully demonstrated on November 25, 2023 in Slochteren against the discriminatory parts of the Sinterklaas parade there.

The mayor of Midden-Groningen had imposed several restrictions on this demonstration. The mayor had done so for fear of disorder. KOZP and NLWB found this fear unjustified and invoked their fundamental and human rights concerning demonstrations: these may only be restricted if it is really necessary and proportionate.

With the help of PILP’s lawyers, KOZP and NLWB appealed the restrictions imposed. This case has now been won (on most points).

With the decision on the objection, the mayor of Midden-Groningen admits, among other things, that limiting the noise (no sound amplifying devices, such as megaphones, were allowed to be used) violates the right to demonstrate. The restriction around the ban on face-covering clothing was also unlawful and has now been rewritten.

“KOZP had already indicated to the municipality that banning the megaphones is interfering with the content of the demonstration and therefore unnecessarily restricting the right to demonstrate. We are therefore pleased that our objection to this has been upheld.” – Marisella de Cuba, KOZP

There was also a discussion about the location of the protest. The right to protest includes that you may demonstrate against or for your cause within sight and sound. In Slochteren, the mayor designated a location far away and barely visible for the demonstration. According to the mayor, there was no other way and it was close enough to the parade. KOZP and NLWB do not agree.

Still, KOZP and NLWB are glad that they were largely proved right: it would have been better if, prior to the demonstration, the mayor had refrained from imposing these unnecessary and unconstitutional restrictions. KOZP and NLWB will therefore not appeal.

Tags: , , , ,
Previous
Next
Actueel

Gerelateerde berichten

outdoor sleeping fines right to housing
April 16, 2025 The right to housing

Sitchting GOUD sends letter to municipality of Utrecht about outdoor sleeping fines for homeless people

Stichting GOUD sends letter to municipality of Utrecht about outdoor sleeping fines Stichting GOUD has formally requested a meeting with the Utrecht municipality today through a letter about stopping fining homeless people who are forced to sleep on the streets. The letter points out to the municipality that this practice, based on article 2:31 of […]

article blog Islamophobia movement lawyering

Nawal Mustafa on Movement Lawyering and the Struggle Against Discriminatory State Surveillance in the Netherlands

Movement Lawyering and the Struggle Against Discriminatory State Surveillance in the Netherlands In connection with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, our colleague Nawal Mustafa has published an interesting and read-worthy blog article on Movement Lawyering on Human Rights Here. Movement Lawyering In her blog, Nawal explains that Movement Lawyering is rooted […]

Liberties network report Rule of law
March 17, 2025

Democracy in Decline: Liberties’ Rule of Law Report 2025 Exposes Serious Concerns

The 2025 Rule of Law Report by the Civil Liberties Union for Europe (‘Liberties‘) that was published today, reveals a concerning picture: democratic institutions in the EU continued to weaken in 2024 due to government neglect or active dismantling. The report, compiled by 43 human rights organisations—including PILP as a member of Liberties—provides a critical […]

Gerelateerde berichten

Our Dossiers

Our Dossiers

Support our work

PILP is the legal ally of civil society organizations, movements, communities, and activists dedicated to human rights. Your donation enables us to continue providing this service.