Vandals defaced the national war memorial in Amsterdam on Monday, scrawling the word “genocide” and splashing red paint across the monument in Dam Square on the country’s annual day of remembrance for war victims.
The attack targeted the National Monument, a central site for commemorations of those who died in World War II and subsequent conflicts. Red paint, meant to resemble blood, was sprayed in several places on the structure, authorities said.
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema condemned the act, calling it “an incredibly cowardly deed.” In a statement on social media, she said the defacement “is not protest but vandalism and a deliberate attack on our national monument,” adding that it harms not only the families of World War II victims but also Dutch citizens for whom the annual remembrance ceremony holds deep significance.
Police said they are searching for three suspects believed to be involved. According to local reports, the individuals wore rain gear, carried a white bag and fled the scene on bicycles toward the Nes street area. Authorities urged witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
The monument has been targeted before. In August last year, it was defaced during a pro-Palestinian demonstration. About two months later, red paint was also sprayed on the nearby Royal Palace in Dam Square, accompanied by the slogan “F**k Israel.” The activist group Palestine Action NL claimed responsibility at the time, saying the use of red paint was intended to symbolize blood and accuse the Dutch state of complicity.
Monday’s incident occurred as the Netherlands marked its National Remembrance Day, when the country honors victims of war with ceremonies held nationwide.