(AP) — Politicians and local leaders have condemned rioters who clashed with police in about 10 towns and cities across the Netherlands on the second night of a coronavirus curfew.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Monday called the violence unacceptable and added that “this has nothing to do with protesting, this is criminal violence and that’s how we’ll treat it.” The worst-hit city was Eindhoven, where police clashed with hundreds of rioters who torched a car, threw rocks and fireworks at police, smashed windows and looted a supermarket.
Eindhoven Mayor John Jorritsma said, “My city is crying, and so am I.” Dutch media reported there were calls on social media for new violent protests on Monday night.