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Nine Arrested at Rotterdam Arms Fair Protest at Ahoy

Organizers previously barred Israeli firms, citing security concerns raised by the defense industry group NIDV.

Overview

  • Seven people were detained around 13:00 after climbing the large agenda board outside Ahoy, with riot police removing them from the structure.
  • Two additional arrests followed later in the afternoon after paint bombs were thrown at the venue’s entrance.
  • Police reported a calmer day than in previous editions, with a small early group of demonstrators growing through the morning.
  • Four Israeli companies that applied to exhibit were told they could not attend this year, a decision reported by NOS in August after NIDV voiced safety concerns.
  • Activist group Verzet tegen Oorlog said protests remain necessary, as recent years have included a 2023 warning shot and, in 2024, vandalism and thirteen arrests.