National demonstration against bullfighting in Amsterdam
10-09-2024On Saturday, September 7, CAS International participated in the national demonstration against bullfighting that took place in Amsterdam.
National demonstration against bullfighting in Amsterdam | Picture: CAS International
During the demonstration we walked from Amsterdam Central Station via Dam Square to the Spanish Consulate. We walked along the tramway and were accompanied by the police and the GVB (organization for public transport in Amsterdam).
Demonstration
Even though it was a rather small group of demonstrators, it was a beautiful sight with the banners, signs and flags of the countries where bullfighting still takes place. Along the way we received a lot of positive attention through thumbs up, clapping and people expressing their support in words.
National demonstration against bullfighting in Amsterdam | Picture: Willemien van de Stouwe
At the Consulate there was a speech by our director Maite van Gerwen, writer and journalist Jeroen Siebelink (of, among others, the book De Dierenbevrijders, in which CAS also appears) and Peter Janssen of the Vegan Strike Group (also organizer of the demonstration).
In her speech, Maite emphasized that it is still necessary to speak out against bullfighting and that it works. In all bullfighting countries, the majority of people are against the cruel tradition and support for maintaining and protecting it is dwindling. Governments are also beginning to speak out. This resulted this spring in Colombia passing a law banning bullfighting by 2027. The Spanish Minister of Culture is also against bullfighting and has abolished the annual award for the best bullfighter.
It was a peaceful protest, hopefully reaching and informing again a lot of people, including tourists.
National demonstration against bullfighting in Amsterdam | Picture: CAS International
The actions of Peter Janssen/the Vegan Strike Group do not always fit within what CAS International thinks is correct, i.e., they regularly run outside the law. It is for this reason that we do not cooperate with this group. However, we thought we should be present at this nationwide anti-bullfighting demonstration to also make our voice heard for those who do not have this voice and still become victims of cruel bullfighting.
