Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel has decided that pepperspray will remain a prohibited weapon, despite earlier considerations to legalize it for self-defense against sexual violence. The minister concluded that legalizing the spray would be too dangerous, as attackers could potentially seize it and use it against the victims themselves.
Two cars were involved in a rear-end collision on the Rijksweg in Limmen on Wednesday morning. No injuries were reported, though both vehicles sustained enough damage to require towing.
British authorities have arrested three individuals following riots in Belfast, Northern Ireland, that significantly disrupted public life. Security Minister Dan Jarvis informed Parliament of the arrests and indicated that further detentions are expected as investigations continue.
Train services in the Netherlands have largely resumed after a lightning strike near Utrecht Centraal caused major disruptions on Wednesday morning. The incident halted travel for several hours on routes connecting Utrecht with Schiphol and Amsterdam Centraal.
A boil water advisory has been issued for specific addresses on Schoorlstraat and Werengouw in Amsterdam Noord after enterococci bacteria were detected in the drinking water. Waternet is currently investigating the cause of the contamination and advises residents to boil tap water for at least three minutes until at least June 12.
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk is deploying an investigative mission to Lebanon to examine potential violations of international law. The probe will focus on the ongoing conflict between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah.