Utrecht Mayor Faces Backlash Over Comments on Police Response to Pro-Palestine Protests

Utrecht Mayor Sharon Dijksma is facing criticism from police and safety experts following statements she made regarding the use of force during the clearing of pro-Palestine protests at Utrecht University. Dijksma claimed the municipality did not authorize the use of force, leading to accusations that she unfairly blamed officers and undermined their authority.

Police Anger and Accusations of Being ‘Thrown Under the Bus’

Following the arrest of 49 protesters at Utrecht University on May 21, 2025, who were demanding the university cut ties with Israel, riot police used force to remove demonstrators from a building. Dijksma subsequently stated that the use of force was not part of the instructions given to the police. This sparked outrage within the police force.

Patrick Fluyt, of the police union ACP, expressed strong disapproval of Dijksma’s comments, stating she had “thrown [her] colleagues under the bus.” He argued that her statements cast doubt on the legitimacy of the officers’ actions and were unacceptable, particularly given the challenging work they do maintaining order during demonstrations. Source: NL Times

Sources within the police force indicated that some riot police officers no longer wished to work under Dijksma’s authority, highlighting the depth of the discontent. Source: NL Times

University Security Concerns

Dijksma has similarly criticized Utrecht University’s security measures during the series of pro-Palestinian occupations of university buildings last year. She stated that demonstrators received assistance “from within” to occupy the buildings, suggesting internal support facilitated the protests. Source: NOS

“I must honestly say that at a certain point it was a matter of mopping up with the tap open for the police. One building hadn’t even been cleared before another group was already inside,” Dijksma said, emphasizing the university’s inadequate security. Source: NOS

The university maintains that it is in continuous dialogue with Dijksma regarding security during demonstrations, but declined to comment on whether the issue of inadequate security had been specifically discussed. Source: NOS

Expert Criticism of Blaming the University

A security expert criticized Dijksma’s assignment of blame to the university, arguing that educational institutions have limited authority to act independently and are “dependent on mayors and the Public Prosecution Service.” Source: De Telegraaf The expert pointed out that universities have limited legal and practical capacity to maintain order on their campuses, with decisions regarding eviction and prosecution resting with local authorities and the public prosecutor’s office.

Recent Scuffle at Council Meeting

In a separate incident on July 4, 2025, Utrecht Mayor Sharon Dijksma was involved in a scuffle during a council meeting following a vote against a motion to boycott Israeli products. Pro-Palestine demonstrators in the public gallery refused to leave after the vote, and Dijksma attempted to personally lead their removal. Source: DutchNews.nl

Key Takeaways

• Mayor Dijksma’s statements regarding the police use of force during pro-Palestine protests have caused significant unrest within the Utrecht police force.
• Dijksma has also criticized Utrecht University’s security measures, alleging internal assistance to protesters.
• A security expert argues that universities have limited autonomy in handling such situations and that responsibility lies with local authorities.
• Dijksma was recently involved in a physical altercation during a council meeting following a vote on boycotting Israeli products.