90 arrests in Black Pete protests
Police have arrested 90 protesters as a traditional Dutch celebration of the arrival of Saint Nicholas was disturbed by demonstrators who say his faithful sidekick, Black Pete, is a racist caricature, and by supporters of the popular children's figure.
In some of the worst scenes of unrest in the increasingly acrimonious debate about Black Pete, opponents scuffled with police on the historic market place of the central city of Gouda as thousands of children welcomed Saint Nicholas nearby.
Prosecution office spokesman Wouter Bos said 60 anti-Black Pete activists were arrested for demonstrating away from a location set aside for protesters and were each fined 220 euro (£175). Another 30, both supporters and opponents of Black Pete, were arrested for disturbing public order.
Video from Gouda showed scuffles breaking out in its historic downtown while children's songs played in the background. Protesters were detained by police as children watched.
"Deeply, deeply sad," Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte said. "Everybody can debate one another, we can endlessly discuss the colour of Black Pete, but we should not disturb a children's party in this way."
The Dutch cheese capital of Gouda came up with a strategy for reconciliation as Saint Nicholas arrived today.
Black Petes walked side-by-side with yellow-coloured Cheese Petes, a nod to the city's most famous products but also a concession to critics of Black Pete.
In another sign of changing times, the daily Dutch children's television report on Saint Nicholas' travels also featured White Petes on Thursday night. ...
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