Eritrean diaspora held a peaceful demonstration today in Zwolle, The Netherlands, at the pro-forma hearing of alleged human trafficker ‘Walid’. Hundreds showed up to call attention to the severe repression of Eritreans inside and outside the country.

The protesters called for a stop to transnational repression by the Eritrean regime, and demanded justice for the Eritrean victims of human trafficking. Protesters believe that the Eritrean traffickers have ties with the regime. Protesters also called for an investigation into criminal actions by supporters of the Eritrean regime in The Netherlands.

The demonstration started at the park in Zwolle and moved from there to the court. Around 100 Eritreans, the maximum allowed, also attended the hearing against Walid. The judge announced that the content hearings against Walid will start in March 2025. The next pro-forma hearing will be held on 18 September 2024.