This Is Why The Police Opened Fire On Dutch Farmers

Police in the Netherlands opened fire on Dutch farmers protesting the implementation of EU-based climate rules on nitrogen emissions, which threaten the livelihoods of thousands.

The incident took place on Tuesday evening and is as shocking and unbelievable to believe.

News reports say police fired what they said were warning and “targeted” shots at a farmer’s protest in Heerenveen in the north of the country.

According to Friesland police, a “threatening situation” arose after protesters allegedly attempted to drive through a line of police and law enforcement vehicles, necessitating the use of firearms.

Footage of the incident went viral on social media and you can watch them here:

The incident did not result in any injuries, though three protesters were arrested and one tractor was hit with a bullet, the local De Telegraaf newspaper reported.

Farmers in the Netherlands have blocked roads and supermarket distribution centres for several days, raising concerns about food shortages. The unrest among Dutch farmers was sparked by a government proposal to cut nitrogen oxide and ammonia emissions by half by 2030.

The decision of Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s left-wing coalition government to impose European Commission-mandated green agenda standards is at the heart of the dispute and protest.

Farmers Protest Group

The Farmers’ Protest Group Agractie condemned the use of force by the police, questioning whether “people had to die first” before the government came to the table to negotiate with the farmers, adding that the situation could have turned out much worse.

If this kind of incident can happen in the EU, imagine what will happen when people are protesting in other countries?

The incident set a dangerous precedent and the EU has to send a message to the police forces not to act like third world police forces.

Nevertheless, Maarten Brink, an ACP police union representative, stated that it was unclear from the footage posted on social media what prompted the firing of gunshots, adding that police officers “never just grab” their weapons without reason.

The EU mandates that the 27 member states “must ensure that the sites are managed in a sustainable manner, both ecologically and economically,” under the Natura 2000 network, which designates vulnerable habitats for both animals and plants.

To meet that mandate, the Dutch government has announced plans to cut nitrogen oxide emissions from livestock by 50% by 2030.