(NL Times) Edwin Wagensveld, leader of the far-right anti-Islam movement, set fire to a Quran in central Amsterdam on Thursday evening, in front of the Stopera municipal building. Wagensveld, a prominent figure in the movement that opposes the influence of Islam in Western society, had announced the act in advance.
Prior to setting the Quran alight, Wagensveld declared that his right to protest was being restricted, saying he wanted to “wake up the Netherlands” rather than seek connection with others. His provocative demonstration, which took place around 6 p.m., attracted a significant police presence to maintain order.
Following the burning, dozens of counter-protesters gathered in the area, leading to a tense standoff. The police swiftly cordoned off the space around the Stopera, deploying mounted officers. By 7:00 p.m., the area was cleared and reopened.
