Dutch police arrest 22 at protest against Israeli cantor’s concert
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Police and protesters facing off outside the Royal Concertgebouw concert hall in Amsterdam on Dec 14.
PHOTO: EPA
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THE HAGUE – Dutch police said they arrested 22 people after clashes with protesters on Dec 14 outside an Amsterdam concert hall hosting a performance by the Israeli army’s official cantor.
Several hundred people gathered near the famous Concertgebouw hall in the evening to protest against a performance by Cantor Shai Abramson, the Israeli military’s chief cantor.
“The police intervened several times to keep the demonstrators at a distance and maintain public order,” the police said in a statement.
Riot police used batons as demonstrators set off smoke bombs, the authorities said, adding that one officer had minor injuries.
Police also arrested 22 people for offences that included breaking public assembly rules, possessing fireworks and resisting arrest.
Cantor Abramson was initially set to lead the Concertgebouw’s annual public Hanukkah concert on the afternoon of Dec 14.
But the plan drew public outcry, given his ties to the Israeli military, which has sparked international condemnation over its war in Gaza.
Cantor Abramson’s participation at the afternoon event was cancelled and replaced by an invitation to sing at two private evening concerts.
A US-sponsored ceasefire has halted fighting in Gaza, which began after Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel
But the deal, in effect since Oct 10, remains fragile as Israel and Hamas accuse each other almost daily of violations. AFP
