Shocking new developments in The Netherlands, a place that was once believed to respect human rights and freedoms of it's citizens. But not anymore. Last Saturday, "Sinterklaas" arrived in the country. This is the Dutch version of Santa Claus, and it's actually where the concept of Santa Claus originates from. He arrives by boat and his helpers throw candy around that the kids then collect. It's usually a great event for children all over The Netherlands.
But not this year. In the city of Zwolle, a QR code to watch the arrival of Sinterklaas was necessary. And for those people without one? Their children were not allowed. In fact, the government of Zwolle even decided to put giant fences up so the kids were unable to see Sinterklaas (the Dutch Santa Claus) arrive. And this city wasn't the only place where the government was striking against the children.
This caused horrible scenes, with many crying children, many of them too young to understand why they were not allowed to watch their great hero arrive. The event that was known as a great celebration day for hundreds of years, turned into a disaster with thousands of traumatized young kids without a clue about why they were being treated like second grade citizens.
On the left side of the picture above you can see a child trying catch a glimpse of the event, as he isn't allowed in. On the right side of the picture you can see Jewish children during World War 2, not allowed to watch public events. We aren't allowed to make the comparison. I'm doing it anyway.
So this is The Netherlands now, in 2021. Not a country you would want to visit anymore.