Hundreds present at funeral of man who died while being arrested by Rotterdam police

Around 200 people have said their goodbyes to Alfredo Goeloe in Rotterdam-Zuid. The man passed away on September 12 at 51 years of age after he had become unwell while he was being arrested by police officers on the Vaarnerkamp in Rotterdam-Zuid.

Goeloe’s body was transported to the Zuiderbegraafplaats cemetery in a white hearse pulled by two pairs of horses. His emotional relatives walked behind the hearse. During a memorial service, family members, friends, and other mourners gathered to say their final goodbyes to Goeloe.

Goeloe had just departed on his fatbike from a baby shower for his unborn child. The police apprehended him after they had received a report that a man and a woman of around 40 years of age had stolen a fatbike.

His passing led to significant unrest in the area. A silent procession, which took place the Monday after his death, eventually resulted in attacks on riot police and objects being thrown at a police station.

Several people held up a banner during the funeral. In this, the politicians, media, and government were called upon to end the violence, and the slogan “together for a safe Netherlands, every person counts” could be seen.

“We want justice for our father,” one relative said on behalf of the family. “Not with violence, but in the court. I urge you to let this ceremony proceed peacefully.”

In an emotional speech, Goeloe’s eldest son accused the police of killing his father.