The Siege of Tilburg: Walking in a winter warland

The Siege of Tilburg: Walking in a winter warland: "Skyline from viaduct Ringbaan West Ringbaan West Noordhoek Ring"

Walking in a winter warland

Skyline from viaduct Ringbaan West

Ringbaan West

Noordhoek Ring

The Siege of Tilburg: Collateral Damage

The Siege of Tilburg: Collateral Damage: "Friendly Fire is an oxymoron. - Sgt. John G. Ford, US Army, 0ct. 2007, foreword in DMZ 4 by Brian Wood, Riccardo Burchielli, Nathan Fo..."

Collateral Damage

Friendly Fire is an oxymoron. 
- Sgt. John G. Ford, US Army, 0ct. 2007, foreword in DMZ 4 by Brian Wood, Riccardo Burchielli, Nathan Fox

The authorities and public instances, have asked the government to seek out and clarify the battles of the past week. Between 15 and 50 people would have died. Later, there were estimates of about 45 civilian casualties and at least 200 wounded. The estimated death toll has now risen to 70. Caused by both The Military and Burgertroepen.

- "There was no warning! It started suddenly and they said that if there were fightings, we would stay inside. Only hours later a soldier helped us out of danger. "

- "The authorities had told us that if there is a fighting is you should look for cover, otherwise you would be in danger! But even when we were hiding in the basement it was being shot. "
By who?
- "By The Militairy! They thought that there were Burgertroepen! "

The Militairy and initially the authorities speak of a successful operation now the order is partially restored. But Human Rights groups draw different conclusions.
"People were bombed, and also outside the combat zones. In that bombing, most casualties fell. There was no warning! If there had been warnings, the civilians could leave the area, and acts from the authorities and Militairy against Burgertroepen could’ve been more effectively! "

So far, there can still not be determined exactly, how many civilian casualties have fallen. Soldiers of The Militairy responded to the above comments that it is very difficult to distinguish a civilian from a Burgertroepen-militant. "A person running from one side of the street to the other, might have hidden a weapon. And when we turn around, he might have hidden it again and then we cannot intervene. "
There are additional messages and rumors of civilians slain by Burgertroepen, or even used as human shields.

For the people here it is extremely complex. They suffer from the Burgertroepen, militias and terrorists. But also from the authorities and The Militairy who want to restore order and to relieve the city.

Until now there has not yet been responded to the stray mortar strikes, outside the battle zone.

The Siege of Tilburg: Horror, rumors, shots and silence in the city

The Siege of Tilburg: Horror, rumors, shots and silence in the city: "After the battle of the last days, some rest, relief and medical-aid come in motion. The air is thick with cigarette smoke and, if possible,..."

Horror, rumors, shots and silence in the city

After the battle of the last days, some rest, relief and medical-aid come in motion. The air is thick with cigarette smoke and, if possible, cafes are fully occupied. How appropriate is it to hear lyrics on the radio like "You Can Stay Under My Umbrella" or "The Times They Are A-changin".

The news quickly starts spreading at such moments. Or rather, unconfirmed reports. Most of them via phones or the Internet if connections are gained. It took me quite a long time to figure out that over 45 people were killed and at least 200 wounded. It’s still not clear what the numbers of combatants and civilians are. This is also not important as long as there is still speculation and still nothing has been confirmed. You begin to speculate about it when you see rescuers working or hear news from journalists and reporters about the situation at the hospitals. Where people are waiting to see whether they would bring somebody who was theirs. Until now a lot of suspense, but estimates by independent observers read between 40 and 60 civilians.

While I’m gaining information, now and then you hear an occasional shot somewhere. People take cover, some shots are exchanged and everyone will get on with what he was doing. And so do I.

The Siege of Tilburg: Battle flares up again in Tilburg

The Siege of Tilburg: Battle flares up again in Tilburg: "In the center of Tilburg heavy fighting erupted again. Today there was a fierce battle between militias, including Burgertroepen and The Mi..."

Battle flares up again in Tilburg

In the center of Tilburg heavy fighting erupted again.

Today there was a fierce battle between militias, including Burgertroepen and The Military.

The authorities explained that the militias had enough time to lay down their arms and that military intervention was forced due to the ignoring attitude.

The battle is now concentrated in the railway zone. In the fightings there are between 15 and 50 deaths confirmed and at least 100 wounded.

This morning a residential area near the station and a residential area behind the track were the focus of strayed mortar impacts. There was not much more left than smoking ruins. It is yet unknown how many casualties have fallen.

Both pictures show the devastating result of mortar impacts

The  authorities and the Military want to drive the militias out of Tilburg to get the city back under control.

The Siege of Tilburg: The history of the future

The Siege of Tilburg: The history of the future: "The media show exactly what it is all about in Tilburg: a city under siege, citizens who live in fear every day, fighting in the streets bet..."

The history of the future

The media show exactly what it is all about in Tilburg: a city under siege, citizens who live in fear every day, fighting in the streets between soldiers and paramilitary organizations.

The siege, is comparable in many ways , to the wars that were fought in the Middle Ages and the way in that time, cities were even equipped for such means of warfare. This comparison is based not only on the encirclement, the siege, the shelling, the strategy known as scorched earth, but also the way certain devices are used. But also wars in modern times like the siege of Sarajevo from 1992 to 1996.
In this case it’s not about the use of arms. The weapons of today are more sophisticated than before. It’s about indirect weapons of war. The way besiegers of the city rob people of their most basic living conditions and let them slowly die of hunger and thirst. Water and electricity are scarce and aid convoys are rarely accepted. Or the way terrorists and snipers spread terror among the population.

Still, keep looking and thinking. Finding parallels in the history that could be applied on the future.

The Siege of Tilburg: 21 killed in attack on Pieter Vreedeplein in Tilbur...

The Siege of Tilburg: 21 killed in attack on Peter Vreedeplein in Tilbur...: "One of the deadliest attacks since the bloodbath at the UVT, cost the lives of 21 civilians. Dozens of other civilians were wounded. The bom..."

21 killed in attack on Pieter Vreedeplein in Tilburg

One of the deadliest attacks since the bloodbath at the UVT, cost the lives of 21 civilians. Dozens of other civilians were wounded. The bomb went off in the basement-mall at the Pieter Vreedeplein in Tilburg.

Result of the explosion one hour after the attack

The attack was committed at the end of the afternoon in a relatively peaceful area in Tilburg. Burgertroepen are probably behind attack, but the attack is not claimed yet. The attack came quite unexpected, because it stayed relatively quiet for weeks in the city and the attack was not primarily aimed at the authorities.
This attack has caused great public concern. Authorities warn the population for a new wave of violence.

The Siege of Tilburg: Suffering

The Siege of Tilburg: Suffering: "'Suffering is an important form of awareness, it grants the people a knowledge you can otherwise not obtain, but everyone wants to leave tha..."

Suffering

"Suffering is an important form of awareness, it grants the people a knowledge you can otherwise not obtain, but everyone wants to leave that knowledge to another."

Dzevad Karahasan

Defence had to cut already in 2011

The Minister already economized 200 million euros on defense, in 2011. Especially by postponing investments in equipment and buildings.

This gave the NH-90 helicopter project and the new infantry fighting vehicle less money. A new barracks in Weert was never completed.

It also saved on staff. New civilian personnel were no longer accepted and on military jobs, critical examinations were done to assess if fulfillment was really necessary. These measures stimulated the impetus for the creation of militias. Even after 2011 there was sharply economized on Defense. In 2018 a structural savings of 635 million euros had to be realized.

Source: ONS

http://nos.nl/artikel/195559-defensie-moet-in-2011-al-bezuinigen.html

The attack on the Interpolis building was yet another of a series following the beginning of the unrest and dissatisfaction.

The Siege of Tilburg: Employability Dutch army inadequate

The Siege of Tilburg: Employability Dutch army inadequate: "The deployment of the Dutch armed forces is inadequate due to lack of ammunition and spare parts. The staff feels that nothing is done to pr..."

Employability Dutch army inadequate

The deployment of the Dutch armed forces is inadequate due to lack of ammunition and spare parts. The staff feels that nothing is done to problems. The employability of the armed-infantry is not assured, the minister wrote to the House.

Regular operations are regularly cancelled and much materials cannot be used by the lack of spare parts. When parts are ordered, military faces a long time of delivery.

Defence is facing shortage of funds, mostly because of the expensive mission in Uruzgan, the crisis in the country and especially around Tilburg. The minister cannot say how and when the problems can be solved. There was significantly economized on Defence the last years; in recent years 400 million euros.

Source: ONS

http://nos.nl/artikel/195857-inzetbaarheid-leger-onder-druk.html
http://nos.nl/artikel/195857-inzetbaarheid-leger-onder-druk.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nosnieuwsbinnenland+%28NOS+Nieuws+-+Binnenland%29

The Siege of Tilburg: The End?

The Siege of Tilburg: The End?: "As Building told me, I went to the Stadhuisstraat to see if 'The End' is near. I found out it depends on how you look at it. Anyway, this s..."

The End?

As Building told me, I went to the Stadhuisstraat to see if 'The End' is near. I found out it depends on how you look at it. Anyway, this street and terraces are at least temporarily safe from snipers on Stadhuisplein.

The Siege of Tilburg: Long time no Siege..

The Siege of Tilburg: Long time no Siege..: "'Hey man, take it easy. I only have 2 bottles' 'Sorry, but I can use a sip.' 'You've been gone for a while haven’t you?' 'After the intervie..."

Long time no Siege..

"Hey man, take it easy. I only have 2 bottles"
"Sorry, but I can use a sip."

"You've been gone for a while haven’t you?"
"After the interview with Building I left for a little while."
"Where have you been?"
"Ah… Been in Rotterdam for an art project and I wanted to get away from this for a short time.."
"But, you’ve been in Rotterdam for an art project!?"
"Yes, that sort of things ... And also painted a lot lately. Check this out:



"Ohhhw dude! ... Copied from a photograph?"
"No those are stills from a movie about Bosnia. I’m making six paintings about Bosnia."
“Impressive. Just how big are they? "
"60 by 70 and 40 to 50 cm. All on that size."
"Why don’t you paint scenes like these from the situation in Tilburg?
"I don’t know. This way I keep myself busy with a different theme."
"A different theme!? Scenes like these we see in the streets every day!"
"Check what I found hanging on the streets. There are much more of these."

Warning
There is cause, to emphatically note, that all firearms, ammunition, grenades, explosions and other war materials should be handed over
Authorities had recently spoke out convictions, several times, for unauthorized possession of similar objects.
For such violations, severe penalties will be subjected, were no leniency is to be expected in the future.

 

"It's been quiet for too long! Hell ‘ll break lose again really soon. With announcements like these .... This is not a kind request to calmly deliver your weapons. It sounds like we’ve been conquered or something like that! But on the contrary, everyone wants to fight!
These past days were much scarier. I don’t know what’s worse. Or the constant roar of cannons and explosions, or the grim silence occasionally interrupted by mortar strikes."
"With the constant bombardments, like when South and the centre were under heavy fire, at least you know you can’t go outside."

(An explosion outside makes Ruud rush to the door and yelling at everyone and anyone)
"Ahhrgg That's what I mean! Get the fuck out GODDAMNED!! GO FIND YOURSELF A JOB YOU IDIOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Building. The End?

Building

No prophet, but a message

"I've long thought that Michael Jackson was the only artist on earth"

During the interview:
Where:
Tilburg
Duration:
1 hour
Drink:
A bottle of elderberry soda
Food:
Nothing
Pronunciation:
"Everything is much more intense because of the war”

After his work in 2007, Fillet of Sopie, the success of the Surinamese artist Building rolls steadily into the new decade. Now in Tilburg the ever cheerful Building experiments with Tilburg as a public workshop, but with a certain immersion and harassment.


That the young Building would become an artist was almost inevitable. His father worked alongside his regular job, for years as amateur artist in various workshops, his parents' house in Paramaribo was always filled with paintings, drawings, collages and more different works. Building began painting at the age of nine and from the age of fifteen, he worked with whatever he could find. With characteristic inseparable hat, Building walks through the ravaged but still trendy cafe where I've agreed to meet him.

Your appearance, a sort of vintage soul style, is that a trademark?
"I don’t know, that style always accidentally seeps through: in furniture and other things also. I do not really have a clear vision when I’m buying clothes, it's a collection of different things that I like. One time I wear sneakers, the other day walkers. "

Does that also apply to your artistic taste and style?
"Yes, I'm not really tied to one style. I am influenced by different styles, from dada to realism. It usually doesn’t matter, but most often I am most attracted by art that seems to be created straight from the heart. "

And now?
"Since I'm stuck here, I work with whatever I can find and get, and I also teach at the Academy of Fontys. I have a one year contract so I better finish it. And a well, for myself... I was inspired by the sheets and curtains hung across the streets by citizens back in Sarajevo. I do not know if you've already seen them but, yes I wanted to add some more. Hehe, yeah, it’s just funny to tease the snipers here with an additional message. Recently I managed to get my hands on a turntable and I mostly listen to vinyl. Soul, jazz, fusion, whatever that I can get, but I prefer real home-chillmusic, I love it. If it seems to be a quiet day, I sometimes bring the turntable and some records to the academy. Then I and the students get to work, while enjoying the music and the sounds of war. "

Are we going to see those acts back in your work?
"Well, I never really have a plan of how my work should be. Especially NOW I let myself be influenced by the environment. First I search for what I experienced and what I would like to say, then how I would it to say. You’ll also recognize this yourself as being an artist. Just like your projects: you have a topic in your head and then you go looking for the way you want to depict. And then you go looking for the right pencils and paper format. Make no mistake, I am also impressed with your work, but isn’t that the way it is, when keep trying to work in a city like this? "

You got that right, it’s not easy. You have to adapt and make the best of it. And especially do not lose your sense of humor.
"That's the last thing you should do. Here’s one by the way, a student told me:
In South a mother puts her head out the window of her apartment and calls out to the children playing outside: "Children go inside! There is a sniper over there! " One of the children answers:" No there’s not! Daddy is sleeping! "

(We laughed out loud because of the silliness joke. People in the cafe who also heard the joke joined us in our laughter. Then we ordered another bottle of elderberry soda)

Okay! Next. You're not a world famous artist, but you already exposed your work in various museums in the world. And besides that you also worked a lot behind the scenes. You were active in Suriname, you contributed to Paramaribo Perspectives in Rotterdam in 2010 and now you teach students at Fontys. Why?
"I like people. People are inspiring. I also find it very good to transfer knowledge, no pardon, I’ve said that wrong. It’s good to EXCHANGE knowledge. You can really learn from each other. It's also great fun to work with others."

But you haven’t been working on your own career for such a long time.
"That's not true, actually I’ve been working on my career since I was fifteen. But in Suriname it’s also difficult to get known. After having been taught at academies abroad, I began to use more influences. From these influences came Filet Of Sopie in 2007. It seems ‘suddenly’ but it takes years of preparation. I grew up poor and I still haven’t got much money. But I am a billionaire when it comes down to experience. "

How did you get in the picture?
"After Filet Of Sopie was discovered by an American in Suriname, I was invited to exhibit in the United States. Then the ball started rolling towards Europe. First Rotterdam and then London. It was also a lot of good luck, believe me! "

You’re a father, since five months. The contact with your family must be very difficult right now.
"Yes it is. But it gives me an extra boost. My wife is very proud of what I do and she also wants me to finish this. And if we get to talk on Skype or chat, we share in joy. "

When was the last time you spoke to them?
"Ten days ago ... Can I use your.. Does your laptop has..? "

Sure!
"Thanks man!"

But what’s to say of your world fame?
"It will become less I guess. Yeah as I said, after Filet Of Sopie it got started. And in the UK it started a debate. And especially in Switzerland and Italy it went well. "

Do you speak Italian?
"No, but phonetically I'm quite strong."

The work 4-3dom shows a reasonable commitment and you have guided students with their performances on the Katterug. This clearly shows your concern about the state of the world.
"Correct. Look around you. Who would have ever thought this would happen in the Netherlands!?
4-3dom was actually before the war and the work was not intended as specific criticism. The situation made it specific criticism. Do you remember that song that got popular by the attacks on September 11, of that American band, Live? "

Yes I know them!
"Overcome, that’s the song. Overcome became their biggest hit. People think that Live wrote Overcome specifically in response to the attacks, but it was already on their album. It only really embodied "with the feeling of those days." Then the song was released earlier as a single early and the income went to the victims of the attacks. That comparison you can draw with 4-3dom. The war has made it very well known.
But apart from that .. it suits me, but I don’t want to make it look like: "Let me tell you how this works!" For long I thought that I had no authority to create such works. Who takes that kind of stuff from a guy in his twenties, who had never experienced war? Now I'm in the middle of the shit. And now I'm 31, I feel I should take responsibility. I don’t want to be a prophet, like Bono, but I want to create things about issues that I think are really important. The arts allow us to expose and debate calls, and this is my way to make that happen. "

Is it the paternity?
"Perhaps, but the war broke out before Joy was born. I should have been there but the war prevented me from the plane to catch. But everything has become much more intense. On a large scale, "where should it go in the world, as well as small things. I think more about what kind of example I give, what message, I want to transmit, or want to bring to debate. I want to show that in my work. "

Where do you get your inspiration?
"Actually, from everything that moves me. For example, you with your curls haha, no man, yeah I mean, sorry hehe. Okay okay. Uhm. No, things that touch me. Like a song you really feel, the feeling behind the song. You are parsing: how does it work? In my early teenage years I was a fan of Michael Jackson, I have long thought that he was the only artist in the world."

Would you like to be as famous as Michael Jackson?
That level of fame you do not want, and is not pleasant for anyone. For me now, it’s more about my work, The work that I can do here in this city with other people. That’s what I want.

(I saved the file that I made using the voice recorder on my laptop, linked to the internet and let Building chat with his family.)

Typical Building
Favorite stimulant
"I like to smoke a joint now and then."
Finest spot
"The Katterug. I enjoy the work of the students. "
Greatest sin
"I only have a few .. Should I do something about it? "
Best feature
"I'm open to anything."
Biggest annoyance
"This war and that I cannot be with my family."
Typical Building
"My signature?"
Building 10 years later
"Just like now. But together with my family in peace. But I hope sooner, rather than 10 years. "

"The End. Is it near?" "I have no idea, but take a look soon near the café ‘Horen Zeggen’ and ask yourself off again." Graffiti on sheet.

The Siege of Tilburg: "One of the main functions of art is that it prese...

The Siege of Tilburg: "One of the main functions of art is that it prese...: "'Dzevad Karahasan educated this to his students during the siege of Sarajevo. I’m telling you this as well. People are willing to forget thi..."

"One of the main functions of art is that it preserves the people of indifference, a person lives as long as he is not indifferent. " - Dzevad Karahasan -

"Dzevad Karahasan educated this to his students during the siege of Sarajevo. I’m telling you this as well. People are willing to forget this now and then or just don’t even realize. Make sure you keep this in mind. Especially in situations like this!"

The above is what the Surinamese artist 'Building' told to his students at the Art Academy of Fontys. The students, eager to get back to work, under the supervision of Building and other teachers, the students learned to work with whatever was forehand. Rachel had already been working on a memorial for a deceased student of the Rock Academy was initially very much effort to get going, "We could not wait to get back to work at the academy. It was hard in the beginning because of the grenades nearby. The first week we lost our concentration, but we wanted to get back to work. So then we went looking for methods to return our focus."

For the graduation-exposition, students worked together with other students from the art-cluster to make a large theater of the Katterug. Maarten and Jesper who specialize in visual communication designer, took the initiative. "That it took place in public space, was one thing. Because in public space you let it out to the viewer what it think about a work. We took the initiative to approach more students when we saw in Katterug a giant billboard."With other students they worked on a synchronization of the lights of the apartment to form words, shapes, signs and symbols. Students of the dance academy, the conservatory and the rock academy worked on a theater experience that would be performed three times.

Sandra, third year student of dance, did the choreography with two fellow students. "It felt really good to be working on such a big project all together. Art can make you off balance and makes you yourself wonder about the world around you. "During the rehearsals it was hard for the players to totally concentrate on their work. But over time, most were so used to the shells that they simply forgot to respond, while the bravest among them looked for a way to use the grenades as a 'theatrical effect' or a way of expression in their play.

At the time of the show it turned out exactly that way. At first the spectators were shocked by grenades and gunshots, but they gave themselves completely to the show, with more pleasure than ever before in peacetime the Tilburgers were allowed to enjoy culture and art. It were not only the performances that were amazing, every show was different, but all three performances fed the people and protected them from fear as a warm womb or a house of pray that had not yet been destroyed.
Today, every week a new word, sign or symbol appears on the Katterug, as long as the building keeps standing.

I will soon post the interview I had with the Surinamese artist; 'Building'.

The Siege of Tilburg: The Demolition

The Siege of Tilburg: The Demolition: "Cees Becht was his name, but in the vernacular, he will forever live as Cees de Sloper (Cees the Destructor). In 1957 he became mayor, preci..."

The Demolition

Cees Becht was his name, but in the vernacular, he will forever live as Cees de Sloper (Cees the Destructor). In 1957 he became mayor, precisely the period when the textile industry in Tilburg collapsed. Sixty textile factories that offered work to 18,000 men, disappeared within ten years by competition from countries with lower wages. The low-skilled factory workers were unemployed.
Becht knew a solution to revive the patient. He demolished the old Town Hall and Koningswei, an authentic working-class district in the center. In their place came wide roads and tall buildings, such as the Katterug on the east side of the current town hall.
"He wanted to make a real city, a metropolis like Rotterdam, architect George Bedaux shivers reflecting on that period. "That was his biggest mistake. He broke down the most beautiful city centers. What the Germans had left standing, destroyed Becht anyway. The stupid flat on the Katterug is a remnant of that policy. And actually, they should destroy the entire Koningsplein again and start rebuilding, again. "

http://www.bastimmers.nl/nie-maawe-mar-staawe/

Now they have destroyed it again! The first insane and devastating attack on the center was somewhere in mid-September (can’t remember what day exactly. There were also short bombings before). The center was shelled with rockets and artillery. During the first months of the war the bombings were especially during night, so people would feel groggy from lack of sleep throughout the next day, and walk around like zombies.

The devastating result of rockets and artillery shells is clearly visible on the Piusplein

The walls of the Heuvelpoort had collapsed or some parts had completely disappeared. The Mac was almost unrecognizable. The yellow M, should be laying around a few meters from the scene. Some trees had been untouched, others were felled as if by an axe.

South-side of the Heuvelpoort in ruins.

As I walk through the rubble, talk to people, make pictures, I sometimes stare at my hands. As if I would try to convince myself that they were really mine. Those are the devastating effects of a war waged on those who know how to drag themselves through, on those that who are not slain or injured, they slowly lose faith in reality or the ability to experience reality.
And then I suddenly realize how the ugliest building in Tilburg (That’s just indestructible!), just looks magnificent during the night.
This city is lucky. It still has;

 'Hope'

Soon an interview with students from the Academy of Fine Arts (FontysABV) and the story of the picture above

The Siege of Tilburg: War in other countries

The Siege of Tilburg: War in other countries: "Words that go there, come back here. They sound familiar, but are different. They make a difference here. (From: Cel, Charles den Tex, Chap..."

War in other countries

Words that go there, come back here.
They sound familiar, but are different.
They make a difference here.

(From: Cel, Charles den Tex, Chapter 63 Bellilog August 6, 2006)

The Siege of Tilburg: It was like yesterday

The Siege of Tilburg: It was like yesterday: "The Dutch citizens remember only too well the beginning of the unrest. Smoke develops just moments after t..."

It was like yesterday

The Dutch citizens remember only too well the beginning of the unrest.

Smoke develops just moments after the explosion.

24-9-2010

Bomb transforms station into cemetery

A bombing in Tilburg took the lives of at least 60 people. It is the first attack on this scale since the beginning of the unrest.

Authorities confirmed at least 60 dead and over 200 wounded. Most of the victims were rescuers coordinating and assisting in the evacuation of the area. The explosion at the railway station in Tilburg caused a terrible chaos in the Spoorlaan that spread to the whole center within moments. Both railroad traffic and traffic in Tilburg were disordered the rest of the day.

After a suspicious package was reported at the station, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal confirmed that it was a bomb. Police and railway workers had already begun to evacuate the area, but the bomb went off before the Explosive Ordnance Disposal, saw a chance to dismantle. The bomb exploded a few minutes to 2 PM.

The horrible scene has shocked the world. The army is placed in the highest state of alert.

The whole area has been closed down until further notice.

Source: O.N.S.

The Siege of Tilburg: Student Sounds

The Siege of Tilburg: Student Sounds: "Demonstrators were shot by soldiers on the Esplanade. It has been confirmed that both Military and Burgertroepen have used heavy weapons. ..."

Student Sounds

Demonstrators were shot by soldiers on the Esplanade.
It has been confirmed that both Military and Burgertroepen have used heavy weapons.

Peaceful student protests at the University of Tilburg ends in bloodbath.

Today students from across Tilburg protested against the war. The plan was to hold a protest march under the supervision of peace-observers. Before the march could begin the protest escalated. It is assumed that Burgertroepen, who were among the students, began to shoot at the observers. Panic broke out immediately among all those present, and Military forces opened fire on Burgertroepen and in confusion also on students. Burgertroepen who took shelter in the surrounding buildings were attacked with heavy weapons. In turn they also used heavy weapons against the Military.

In no time the whole campus turned into a bloodbath.

According to sources 46 students, 9 Burgertroepen and 14 Military were killed and more than 200 people were injured. It is unclear how many Burgertroepen were among the students.

• "We have seen how people were trampled in the crowd. I got blood stains all over me after an explosion on the square. "

• "Someone shouted," Go away! They are shooting! "People were trampled and panic broke out, and there was blood everywhere!"

Source: Independent World Wide

The Siege of Tilburg: Dongle

The Siege of Tilburg: Dongle: "Equipment at the moment. At the right, the modified dongle. 'Subscribe!? What’s the use of that? By the way, that thing looks like it coul..."

Dongle

Equipment at the moment. At the right, the modified dongle.

"Subscribe!? What’s the use of that? By the way, that thing looks like it could fall-apart any second. "

"THIS thing works very well. I could make a modification so you wouldn't even need a subscription. And it also makes it completely wireless. "

"Yeah like my laptop, but you rarely find a wireless network. And IF you find one, you need a password. So how much will this modification cost? "

"160 Euro, and that's cheap!"

"Dude come on..."

" Hey, if you like to continue paying lots of bills for the network each month, that's fine. But they can pop out any time, so no guarantee." "...."

"Listen, I guarantee a minimum internet speed of 28.8 MB per second. If you subscribe to Vodafone, you pay 35 euros per month. Do the maths! Mine is just the same! Works fine. "

"Hm hm, and what's your warranty?"

"Look, it is.. and remains, a USB-stick, so find yourself a quiet spot if you're on the net. And I'm also quite stuck here ok? So you can always pay a visit when something seems wrong ... Allright, 150 Euro, I install the software and do a check on your laptop. "

"135 dude, it's not like I'm a Weekend Millionaire."

".... Ok ... cool. "

"How long will it take?"

"Hmmm, about an hour. Check your mail if you like. Here's mine. "

The Siege of Tilburg: It's quiet

The Siege of Tilburg: It's quiet: "'Quiet' means; people dare to show themselves on the street. I was able to borrow a dongle, from a journalist to write a quick message. T..."

It's quiet

"Quiet" means; people dare to show themselves on the street. I was able to borrow a dongle, from a journalist to write a quick message. Those things come in darn handy, and I will also try to get one myself. I think the only way to buy kind of equipment like that is the black market. Matters not to me. I just need to get me one!

Where all the peace and rest comes from isn’t clear to anyone. The parties are or tired or regrouping or re-supplying. Anyway .. the chaos continues. The city keeps organizing. Patrols are formed, basements get more secured. Other people stretch their legs during rest. Others storm the stations and roads are jammed.
There is even a curfew. (Perfect cover for criminals who can go about their business)

During these breaks, emergency services get the chance to provide aid . On the radio, tv or internet media calls to provide free passage for fire trucks. Dead and wounded lie in the streets and another urgent request airs to let ambulances or medical-aid pass and not shoot them.

I got in contact with people that can get me close to the city center, and if possible near the Heuvelplein.

I’ll translate more older messages as soon as I can.

Schouwburg promenade (Theater promenade)

Schouwburgring (At the right was a shoppingmall and on the leftside the theater)

The Siege of Tilburg: The bombing of Tilburg Zuid

The Siege of Tilburg: The bombing of Tilburg Zuid: "Ringbaan-Zuid Around 4:55 AM the bombardment began on Zuid. The first lasted for two hours. Then a pause of nearly half an hour, and then ..."

The bombing of Tilburg Zuid

Ringbaan-Zuid

Around 4:55 AM the bombardment began on Zuid. The first lasted for two hours. Then a pause of nearly half an hour, and then it started again. That second bombing was nearby. Later it appeared concentrated on the Edisonlaan. As if they forgot to bomb a piece and had to do it again! Fucking crazy!
The same evening it started again. From 6:30 to 11:00 am. I almost lost my mind and I started drawing and sketching as a madman. The first time I nearly went insane cause of the fear. I didn’t even bother the screaming and crying of the neighbors, if you could hear it at all.

The next day I went out to see what damage was inflicted. Near the Generaal Smutslaan I spoke to a girl I knew from Fontys Hogescholen (University college)
- "That sound of the approaching explosion is so scary! The four of us sat huddled in what we thought was the safest part of the apartment. It seemed like we were waiting until we would be shot to pieces, instead of waiting until it would end. "

Ezelvense Akkers, next to Ringbaan-Zuid

At first glance, the Ringbaan-Zuid appeared quite intact. A lot of shattered glass, and some apartments and houses were smoking. That optimism disappeared, when I saw the Edisonlaan. The second bombing was indeed concentrated on the Edisonlaan.
- "They were certain that Burgertroepen hid here! Can you imagine, BURGERTROEPEN! What in hell would be of value to them!?

Edisonlaan

It was the only thing a heavily shocked resident of the neighborhood could tell me. Then he continued cleaning up debris ... For a moment I saw myself in that strange scene.

The Siege of Tilburg: Real locations in Tilburg

The Siege of Tilburg: Real locations in Tilburg: "See the real locations in Tilburg, The Netherlands. Very soon also other photographs that are not posted on the blog. The Siege of Tilburg..."

Real locations in Tilburg

See the real locations in Tilburg, The Netherlands. Very soon also other photographs that are not posted on the blog.


The Siege of Tilburg (Het Beleg van Tilburg) weergeven op een grotere kaart

The Siege of Tilburg: Martin van het Spoor

The Siege of Tilburg: Martin van het Spoor: "In the first period of the siege, the Burgertroepen fought a fierce battle for Zuid and Centrum –Zuid (South and downtown-south). For weeks ..."

Martin van het Spoor

In the first period of the siege, the Burgertroepen fought a fierce battle for Zuid and Centrum –Zuid (South and downtown-south). For weeks they were able to maintain positions. The Burgertroepen were composed of volunteers from about anywhere. Several people of this paramilitary organization, defended the city with their lives.
On the Oude Dijk, some students of the Academie voor Beeldende Vorming (Academy for the Arts), also picked up arms.

Oude Dijk

One of these students was a musician of the Rockacademie (Rock Academy). Martin van het Spoor swapped his instrument for a sniper rifle. For days he prevented troops to enter the building and protect his fellow students and other refugees. He was killed when his spot was shelled with mortars.

Fellow students began working on a memorial for Martin, right below the place where he fought. So far they haven’t been able to finish the painting because of the shootings by other snipers. Below you can see a detail of the monument.

Martin van het Spoor monument