Arrests for discriminatory slogans on the Erasmus Bridge

The oldest suspect is also believed to be involved in a similar screening in Eindhoven earlier this week. The youngest suspect in a similar screening in Alkmaar in January.

New Year’s Eve

At the beginning of the year, various texts appeared on the Erasmus bridge, including “White lives matter” and “Vrolijk blank 2023”. The lyrics were laser projected onto the remote bridge and broadcast live on television.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM) had previously determined that the statements were punishable. The police then opened a criminal investigation under the direction of the public prosecutor. For example, physical traces were sought, witnesses were called to report, and a neighborhood investigation was conducted.

In addition, detectives conducted online searches and police specialists looked into the origin of the projection equipment used, police said. After the arrest of the two suspects, their homes were searched and various data carriers, a crossbow and 3D printed weapon parts were found, among others.

Alkmaar and Eindhoven town halls

After the screening on the Erasmus bridge, it happened again on January 18 and February 20. At that time, declarations similar to those of Rotterdam were projected on the town halls of Alkmaar and Eindhoven.

The Landgraaf man is suspected of being involved in the screening in Eindhoven and the Zwijndrechter is suspected of being involved in the screening in Alkmaar, police said. Their exact role is under further investigation. Police are also not ruling out other arrests.