I’ve reported in the past (most recently here) on Edwin Wagensveld, the leader of the Dutch branch of Pegida, who has burned Korans and engaged in other activities that have provoked a violent response from “Dutch” culture-enrichers and caused him to be arrested by police on more than one occasion.

The latest manifestation by Mr. Wagensveld occurred recently in the town of Arnhem, when he attempted an officially-permitted Koran-burning [see this video], but was set upon by the Soldiers of Allah, who were determined to stop him by any means necessary.

Many thanks to Gary Fouse for translating this article from the Dutch public broadcaster NOS:

Pegida leader violently prevented from burning Koran

NOS News
January 13, 2024

In Arnhem, an action by Pegida leader Edwin Wagensveld got out of hand. Counter-demonstrators wanted to stop Wagensveld from burning a Koran on Jans Square and sought a confrontation. Wagensveld was taken away by police for his own safety.

Due to the escalation, Mayor [Ahmed] Marcouch issued an emergency order and called in the Mobile Unit [riot police] to stop the violent crowd. In the disturbances, several police and the Pegida leader were slightly injured. Thus far, there have been three arrests. The police have opened an investigation.

“There were rocks and fireworks thrown, and the police barrier was violently broken through,” Marcouch tells NOS News. “I understand sadness and emotion, but not expressions of violence.”

Registered

Wagensveld had registered his action on the Jans Square in Arnhem with the municipality several weeks ago. According to the mayor, the demonstration met all the conditions, and so the leader of the radical-right group was granted permission for the Koran-burning.

In the video images, it can be seen how Wagensveld tries to set a Koran on fire while the police and the Mobile Unit keep the counter-demonstrators at a distance. A counter-demonstrator breaks through the wall of police officers, runs up to the Pegida leader, and kicks him.

[Caption in video: Edwin Wagensveld attacked as he tries to burn a Koran]

Before the escalation, Mayor Marcouch was also at the square. He engaged in conversation with the counter-demonstrators and asked them to find another location for the counter-demonstration.

Wagensveld is the leader of the radical-right group Pegida. He has been arrested several times in the past. In November of last year he was sentenced to 40 hours of community service for insulting Muslims. In an action in the Tweede Kamer [Parliament], he tore up a Koran and compared Muslims to Nazis.

For links to previous articles about PEGIDA (Patriotische Europäer Gegen die Islamisierung des Abendlandes, Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamization of the West) and related movements, see the PEGIDA Archives.