90 arrested during ‘Black Pete’ protests at Dutch kids’ fete

GOUDA, Netherlands: Dutch police on Saturday arrested 90 people protesting for and against the controversial ‘Black Pete’ figure at the start of the traditional gift-giving festival of Saint Nicholas in the central city of Gouda, officials said.

“Sixty people were arrested for demonstrating in unauthorised areas, and 30 for disturbing the peace,” during the childrenoriented procession attended by thousands and broadcast live on national television, police spokeswoman Yvette Verboon told AFP.

“Arrests were made on both sides,” Verboon said amid an increasingly acrimonious and racially-charged debate in the Netherlands.

State broadcaster NOS showed images of minor scuffles breaking out on the main square, where Saint Nicholas appeared on a balcony, with protesters unfurling a large banner reading ‘Black Pete Racism’.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte called the arrests ‘deeply, deeply sad’.

“Everyone can talk about Black Pete’s colour but you can’t disturb a children’s party like that,” he told NOS.

GoudamayorMiloSchoenmaker said the atmosphere had been ‘vicious’.

“It’s a pity that adults from outside the city felt the need to demonstrate among the children at the end of the procession,” national news agency ANP quoted Schoenmaker as saying.

Public prosecutor spokesman Wouter Bos said all those held for demonstrating in the wrong place were anti-Black Pete protesters and they would be fined 220 euros (US$275) each.

The fate of those arrested for public disorder offences “will be decided later,” he said.

The debate around Black Pete, the jolly sidekick of the Dutch Saint Nicholas, called Zwarte Piet in Dutch, has divided the Netherlands.

ManysaythatPete–traditionally dressed in a gaudy medieval costume with a blackened face, red lips and an afro wig – is a racist stereotype dating from the colonial era. — AFP