Sidewalk Chalk: criminally offensive and extremely dangerous?

In recent weeks, months, and even years, rebels in The Hague have increasingly been accosted, stopped, or even arrested for their radical and extreme use of sidewalk chalk. Following a protest against police brutality, a rebel sprayed the words "Bescherm ons tegen Van Zanen" - protect us from Van Zanen - on the sidewalk in front of City Hall with chalk paint. He was jailed for 15 hours, without food, water, or medication. He was denied legal assistance. He is still a suspect of vandalism and must appear in court for this crime.

A few weeks later, another rebel was stopped for her life-threatening and socially disruptive use of sidewalk chalk in public spaces. She's been charged with "street desecration." "You do this often," claimed the police officer who wrote up the report, "so you should know this isn't impermissible!"

 

Sidewalk Chalk: Legally allowed?

In 2017, after protests involving large quantities of sidewalk chalk, the sidewalk chalk ban was removed from The Hague's Municipal Bylaw. Activism works! Now, eight years later, alas!, it seems the municipality has forgotten all about the sidewalk chalk protests of 2017. Somehow, they've forgotten about it a bit more when it comes to messages that should receive extra protection under freedom of speech, and especially when those messages are critical of municipal policy, it seems! A strange coincidence, for sure!

That's why we'll give the brains who represent the people of The Hague a little nudge to remind them of all of this. during their first council meeting.

 

Sidewalk chalk: something you might enjoy?

The first city council meeting after the summer recess is on September 18th. Starting at 12 PM, we'll gather in front of the IJspaleis (City Hall), where The Hague's city council meets, with a few kilos of sidewalk chalk — enough for everyone! All rebels are welcome to join. All peaceful messages and appeals to the city council are welcome, including the call to protect us from the mayor. And of course, you're always welcome to simply chalk a nice picture, with rainbows, XR logos, and Palestinian flags. This event is suitable for (young) children.