Amsterdam police have launched an investigation into unauthorized flyers distributed during Saturday’s Canal Parade that contained warnings about alleged Israeli soldiers in the city.
The printed handouts featured official branding from the City of Amsterdam, including its three St. Andrew’s crosses, alongside a map and photos of specific individuals.
Fake city branding used
The leaflets claimed to alert the public to war criminals present for the Pride festivities and listed specific locations where the named people had reportedly been seen. They also included contact details for Rita, an anti-discrimination reporting agency active in the city.
Both city officials and the reporting center have publicly distanced themselves from the material, clarifying that they had no role in creating or distributing it. Municipal representatives described the unauthorized use of their official logos as unacceptable.
Political call for legal action
Law enforcement officials are working to trace who printed the flyers and distributed them across major canal intersections along the parade route. A police spokesperson confirmed that misuse of organizational logos is treated as a serious matter, and officers are appealing for witnesses to step forward.
Local politicians have also responded to the incident, with city council members asking mayor Femke Halsema to press formal charges. The flyers included references to the Hind Rajab Foundation, a Belgium-based organization that tracks actions by Israeli military forces.
