Dutch news in brief – 15 July 2004

Police dogs used to end asylum seekers protest

Police used dogs and batons to end a demonstration involving about 100 asylum seekers in Eindhoven on Thursday, Novum news agency reported. The demonstrators, who did not have a permit to march, blockaded the road outside the asylum seekers centre to protect against inadequate medical facilities. Police sought permission from the deputy mayor to break up the protest, but permission was not given. Police spokesperson Tini Gilsing said officers were pelted by rocks when they asked the group to disperse. They responded with batons and two protestors needed medical treatment after being bitten by police dogs. One demonstrator was detained and further arrests have not been ruled out.

Explosives find not linked to terrorism

Police found a bag containing explosives in a house in Lelystad, northeast of Amsterdam, on Thursday. Bomb disposal experts examined the find, but police stressed it did not seem to be linked to terrorism, but rather to a criminal organisation. The home owner and a second man from Lelystad were arrested. A stun gun and a small firearm were also found during the police raid, news agency ANP reported.

Almost 700kg of cocaine discovered

Police in Rotterdam port uncovered 693kg of cocaine − with a street value of EUR 30 million − in a container of sugar and molasses, it was announced Thursday. The special Harc team of investigators made the discovery on 22 June, but it was kept secret to allow the investigation to continue unhindered. The consignment had come from Guyana and was destined for Britain. Two people were arrested in London in connection with the case, news agency Novum said.

Leiden celebrates Rembrandt’s birthday

Leiden began a three-day festival on Thursday to celebrate the birth of its most famous son, painter Rembrandt van Rijn. The celebrations are a trial-run for the 400th anniversary of Rembrandt’s birth on 15 July 2006, news agency Novum reported. Ironically there are fewer traces of the famous master in his birthplace than in Amsterdam. The capital’s Rijksmuseum for instance has far more of his works than the Lakenhal museum in Leiden. Amsterdam also boasts the Rembrandthuis, his former home and studio. To help address the balance, Leiden’s celebrations feature actors walking around the city centre dressed as a 17th century mill-owner and baker and performances of period burlesque shows. Children are also being given the opportunity to paint a reproduction of Rembrandt’s famous Night Watch painting.

Unions reject expat recruitment plan

The largest Dutch trade union confederation, the FNV, has objected to government plans to make it easier to employ highly qualified workers from abroad. Under the proposals, a high-flyer from outside the European Union would not need a work permit as long as his or her gross salary exceeded EUR 45,000 a year, Radio Netherlands reported Thursday. The FNV wants more investment in staff training or in the recruitment of new employees from the domestic market.

[Copyright Expatica 2004]

Subject: Dutch news