At this moment there are 318 people who have signed this petition and that's a good start. The petition does 2 things: it gives a signal to the government that we, the people are aware that the Dutch government are actively involved in Zwarte Piet racisme. And if there are many signatures, the Dutch government will undoubtedly feel pressure to do something about it. The second thing which this petition does, is inform the international community that the Dutch government is involved in racism; ,it names and shames this government in the Netherlands. INTERNATIONAL pressure is VERY necessary. The Dutch government has ignored the overwhelming plethora of evidence and verdicts from human rights experts and institutions, all whom unanimously acknowledge that Zwarte Piet is a racist phenomenon. Yet the government continue to actively support that racism with subsidies to make the childrens television series, het Sinterklaasjournaal. This television series is at the heart of the Sinterklaas celebration- so criticising the government's subsidies to the makers of that childrens series is an effective strategy. Today, Jerry Afriyie, a man who was violently arrested by police during a silent (peaceful) protest will receive his verdict. What did he do wrong? The answer is: nothing. The establishment will go to great lengths to preserve the Zwarte Piet racist tradition. Jerry was falsely accused of pinching a policeman in the leg. The situation is a travesty. The verdict comes out today at 13.00. That's why it's important, very important, to let our voices calling for justice and respect be heard. Thank you again!, Update: Jerry Afriyie cleared of all charges. His arrest deemed unjustified.