rssFeb 23, 2026, 10:29

Figures on violence against enforcement officers were incorrect, baton trial had flawed basis

The Amsterdam municipality has admitted that data regarding violence against city wardens was significantly overestimated due to a reporting error that misclassified non-applicable incidents as physical violence. These inflated figures were used to justify a pilot program equipping wardens with batons, though Mayor Femke Halsema maintains the program is still justifiable based on the actual incident rates.

Politics Amsterdam Netherlands

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Based on reporting by rss. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Women's organizations devastated after death of Hajar: "Lived in immense fear"

Following the discovery of 29-year-old Hajar's body in an Amsterdam canal, a 23-year-old suspect has been arrested. Local women's organizations are grieving the loss while addressing the broader societal fears regarding the safety of women.

Opinion: Experiment with cyclists on Amstelveenseweg is a dangerous signal: just remove the parking lane

The experimental speed limit for cyclists on Amsterdam's Amstelveenseweg is criticized as a misdirected effort that fails to address the underlying infrastructure problems. Critics advocate for removing car parking lanes to provide more space for cyclists and moving all motorized vehicles off the bike paths to ensure better safety.

Politics on the Amstel: City hall reorganization falters and striking ban on the way

Journalists discussed current policy challenges in Amsterdam, including the effectiveness of the 30 km/h speed limit and a potential ban on single-use packaging. The panel also reviewed Mayor Halsema's leadership and the struggling reorganization of the municipal civil service.

National Slavery Museum: what is the current status?

The National Slavery Museum in the Netherlands is currently under development, though it has encountered delays in its construction schedule. The project remains a significant effort to document and reflect upon the country's history of slavery.

Opening of slavery museum delayed by at least three more years

The opening of the National Slavery Museum in Amsterdam has been delayed by at least three years, with the target date shifting from 2030 to 2033. City officials cite the need for a more thorough architectural design, permitting, and public consultation process as the primary reasons for the postponement.