Big In The Netherlands

Extinction Rebellion (XR) have held another large demonstration in Den Haag, close to the Dutch parliament. The demonstrators, some in swimming costumes or carrying umbrellas, were predictably drenched by police water cannon. More than 1500 of these demonstrators were arrested but only around 40 will be charged. The main focus of the protest were the fossil fuel subsidies given by the Dutch government to Shell and other companies ((https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/27/more-than-1500-arrested-at-extinction-rebellion-protest-in-the-hague). Continuing to subsidise oil and gas exploration/extraction, sits uncomfortably in a country, that's very vulnerable to rising sea levels. Much of The Netherlands is below current sea level. It's interesting to note, that the Dutch XR branch is not limiting its direct action against the climate change emergency. XR's UK supporters are, however, curbing their demonstration activities, so as not run foul of new, anti-protest laws. Folk have been arrested, in the UK, for having a baggage strap or a piece of string. The police judged these items as potentially being used for 'locking on' (people attaching themselves to objects or eachother). The Dutch have always been more direct! Will the Dutch government also attempt to ban certain forms of protest (or intended protest)?