The 34 people who blocked the A7 near Joure last year to prevent anti-Zwarte Piet protestors from reaching Dokkum must appear in court.
The individuals are accused of deliberately blocking a public road and preventing the planned demonstration, according to the Public Prosecutor.
NU.nl writes that the suspects are accused of creating a dangerous traffic situation by blocking the highway. The bus carrying the protestors was surrounded by other vehicles, causing a traffic jam. The blockade prevented anti-Zwarte Piet protestors from reaching the Frisian city of Dokkum, which was hosting the national arrival of Sinterklaas.
The Public Prosecutor has accused the activists of violating an important right under Dutch law: the right to protest. One suspect who used Facebook to call on people to participate in the road block is also being accused of incitement.
The Public Prosecutor began a criminal investigation into the blockade last year. Due to the size fo the group, hearings will be held over the course of multiple days: 6, 7 and 8 June. A dozen or so suspects are expected to appear in court each day.
Glad that the protestors were not able to reach Dokkum, that would have been a very bad experience…i support these 34 persons, they were protecting the children from violence