The Issue: Violence by Frits Barend and wilful negligence by IDFA

On November 14, 2024, during the opening night of the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) at the Carré Theatre, a pro-Palestinian protester staged a peaceful demonstration. He called on IDFA to align with international law, recognize the situation in Gaza as a genocide, and comply with the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.

While attempting to exit, the protester was physically attacked by Dutch TV personality Frits Barend, who punched him in the stomach and proceeded with verbally berating him, saying, “He would be killed if he did this in Gaza.” Despite video evidence and witness accounts, IDFA has failed to enforce its Code of Conduct that's sent to all attendees promising: “Zero tolerance for bullying, harassment, or hate crimes. Violators will be expelled without warning or refund, and local law enforcement may be involved.”

Why This Matters
IDFA’s response to the incident has been inadequate:

• Barend was not removed from the venue, despite IDFA’s policy.
• IDFA’s investigation downplayed the severity of the assault, citing “differing perceptions” of the event.
• Barend continues to justify his actions in the media, with no consequences.

IDFA must publicly address the following points:

• Enforcement of the Code of Conduct: Why was the attacker not immediately removed from the venue as per IDFA's code of conduct. Why has there been no apparent action to restrict this individual’s access to festival venues?
• Guaranteeing Safety and Freedom of Expression: What measures does IDFA have in place to ensure the safety of individuals engaging in peaceful protest? How will IDFA prevent such incidents in the future

The lack of preparedness for a protest, despite the events of the previous year, and the failure to guarantee the safety of the protester and these forms of expression, is deeply concerning. It is imperative for IDFA to reflect on its (in)actions and take concrete steps to uphold its Code of Conduct and ensure the safety and inclusivity of all guests through a public apology and statement.

IDFA must demonstrate that its commitment to “zero tolerance” is more than rhetoric by addressing this incident transparently and holding the attacker accountable for their actions.

We demand that IDFA ban Frits Barend from attending future IDFA events, and adhere to its code of conduct. 

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Detailed Timeline of Events Surrounding the Incident Involving Frits Barend and a Palestinian Protester at IDFA

November 14, 2024: The Incident
During the opening night of the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) at the Carré Theatre, a pro-Palestinian protester staged a public demonstration. The protester, Jamil Fiorino-Habib, stood up during Festival Director Orwa Nyrabia’s speech and read a statement urging IDFA to align with the language of international law and recognize Israel’s assault on Gaza as a genocide. The protester called on the festival to also comply with the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, given the inclusion of two Israeli state-funded films in its Palestine Pathways program.

As the protester attempted to exit the venue, Dutch TV personality Frits Barend, seated beside him, refused to let him pass. After the demonstrator asked Barend twice to allow him to pass, Barend physically assaulted him, punching him in the stomach. He then proceeded to verbally assault him, shouting aggressive comments, including, “He would be killed if he did this in Gaza” and "Free the hostages" towards Gazan director Mohamed Jabaly. Barend’s actions were witnessed by attendees, with some capturing video evidence of the assault.

NL Times Article

The demonstrator then shouted to the audience "I have just been assaulted by this man here”, which was met by dismissive comments on stage by Nyrabia, who then proceeded with the ceremony. After being encouraged by surrounding audience members to sit down, Baren finally complied and let Fiorino-Habib pass.

November 15, 2024: Social Media Reaction
Videos and accounts of the incident began circulating on social media. The footage showed the protester declaring that he had been assaulted and captured Barend’s verbal aggression. Public outrage grew as the details of the assault emerged, and calls for accountability gained traction online.

November 20, 2024: IDFA’s Investigation Begins
IDFA announced it was commissioning an internal investigation into the incident. Barend publicly downplayed the severity of his actions, claiming in media interviews that the protester, Fiorino-Habib, tried to “climb over” him and that the situation was exaggerated. 

Mid-December 2024: Barend’s Media Narrative
Barend continued to make statements in the Dutch media downplaying the violence he inflicted. For example, on the morning program “Goede Morgen Nederland,” he claimed he pushed the protester because he found it disrespectful that the individual did not stay for the entire opening event. 

NPO Article

Late December 2024: Legal Action
The protester, represented by lawyer Krit Zeegers, filed a criminal complaint (aangifte) with the Public Prosecutor of Amsterdam, seeking accountability for the assault. Over 12 witnesses to the incident expressed their willingness to provide statements supporting the protester’s claims.

Parool Article

January 7, 2025: IDFA’s Investigation Findings
IDFA released the results of its investigation, carried out by an external advisor. The report claims that a “verbal and physical interaction” occurred but noted differing perceptions of the incident’s severity. The assessment concluded that the lack of clarity warranted caution in attributing blame. The organization expressed regret over the lack of clarity in enforcing its policies and pledged to improve the visibility and application of its Code of Conduct to ensure a safer environment for all attendees in the future.

The findings were criticized as insufficient by many observers, who viewed the decision as a prioritization of financial and reputational interests over accountability, and remains a severe bread of their Code of Conduct. Barend’s connections to IDFA—including his status as a donor to the festival and the involvement of his daughter, Barbara Barend, a board member of CIDI, on IDFA panels in previous editions—raised further questions about potential conflicts of interest influencing the investigation’s outcome.

Parool Article

IDFA's Duty to Act in Accordance with its own Code of Conduct

The protester’s criminal complaint remains under review by the Public Prosecutor. Advocates for justice continue to call for Barend’s actions to be thoroughly examined and for IDFA to implement substantive changes to ensure the safety and rights of its audience members.

In IDFA's code of conduct, which was sent to all attendees of the opening night, the festival states that:

"IDFA takes a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of unwanted behavior, by any person participating in IDFA’s activities, that intends to violate the dignity of others. Zero tolerance means that we will never tolerate, condone, or ignore bullying, harassment, or hate crimes of any kind...

IDFA may, at its sole discretion, expel the person from the event and/or future events, without warning or refund, and, if appropriate, solicit the involvement of local law enforcement. IDFA reserves the right to rescind entry and accreditation to anyone engaging in behavior breaking this code of conduct, without warning or refund."

IDFA's Code of Conduct