# Amsterdam mayor: pro-Hamas slogans were shocking but not punishable

> Mayor Femke Halsema said the slogans at the 7 October demonstration in Amsterdam were not punishable, so she could not intervene over them; a bill before parliament would ban expressions such as a "We Support Hamas" banner.

Society · published 2026-10-11 15:17 · https://nlnow.nl/a/amsterdam-mayor-pro-hamas-slogans-were-shocking-but-not-punishable/

Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema watched "with great horror" as pro-Palestinian demonstrators on the Dam shouted "Long live the 7th of October", a reference to the Hamas attacks in Israel three years ago, and carried banners reading "We Support Hamas". Speaking also for the Public Prosecution Service (OM) and the police, she called it "shocking and distasteful" but not punishable, so she could not intervene.

An Amsterdam OM spokesperson said there was no incitement, because the expressions do not encourage people to commit criminal offences.

The demonstration was dissolved only later. The marchers left the Dam in a different direction from the one announced, towards an area with several buildings of Jewish significance. Police stopped about 75 demonstrators at the Waterlooplein, and Halsema then dissolved the whole demonstration. It became briefly tense between demonstrators and police.

## What the proposed law would change

A bill sent to the Tweede Kamer last summer would make glorifying terrorist offences punishable, both in person and by spreading videos or images. It would also ban expressions of support for banned terrorist organisations.

The OM spokesperson said some of the expressions "could well be punishable" once the bill becomes law, but that the final text must be awaited and each case depends on context.

Jon Schilder, professor of constitutional and administrative law, said a "We Support Hamas" banner would no longer be allowed under the bill, like Hamas flags. Even so, he said, a mayor could not ban such a demonstration in advance: "Preventive action is not possible." Police could act only once, for example, a Hamas flag is unfolded. The maximum penalty would be two years in prison and a fine, and a conviction would give a criminal record.

Schilder said Halsema acted correctly. "A mayor does not decide on the content of a demonstration", he said, and may intervene only when disorder threatens.

## Background

- **Tweede Kamer**: The House of Representatives, the lower and more powerful house of the Dutch parliament. Its 150 members are elected directly; it can amend bills and holds the cabinet to account.

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