Amsterdam: riots

Eight pupils are still being held by police for involvement in riots next to theHeineken Music Hall last Saturday.  The Amsterdam police intends to use pictures from security cameras to find others who were involved in the fight, said a police spokesman.  Additionally, the police will use the internet and TV programs.

Thirteen youth between the ages of 13 and 18 were arrested for the riots which started during the youth event Topscore XXXSperience.

When a large group of students were not allowed to enter the hall, about 300 teenagers started rioting.  Later they attacked the police and threw stones and bottles at police agents.

The event was organized by the Department for Social Development (Dienst Maatschappelijke Ontwikkeling, DMO) of the Amsterdam municipality for pupils between the ages of 12 and 18.

The municipality miscalculated how many teenagers would head for the event.  "The capacity was calculated for 1500 people.  When it was full, we decided not to let any more people in." says a DMO spokesman. This is the 6th time the event was put up.  On average 1200-1500 showed up every time.

Pupils could enter for free by showing the XXXS pass, that was sent to all kids in Amsterdam.  The party had never before gotten out of hand, according to DMO.  Alcohol is not allowed in the event and the kids are searched upon entering.

The youth later went on to destroy a metro-car, a bus and a construction site.  Two police agents were injured.

Source: AD.nl (Dutch)

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