Police Break Up Planned ‘Project X’ Party in Joure
Large police presence and checkpoints prevented large-scale riots, reminiscent of the infamous 2012 Haren's ‘Project X’ party.
Police in Joure (Friesland) were forced to intervene Friday evening after social media calls circulated for a large illegal “Project X”-style party. Mayor Klaas Agricola of the municipality of De Fryske Marren issued an emergency ordinance with fears of serious disruption of public order.
Heavy police presence and checkpoints
From 10:15 PM, the emergency ordinance applied to the built-up area of Joure (except for Midstraat) and remained in effect until 7:00 AM Saturday. Police set up checkpoints on access roads, stopping cars and turning away young people without a valid reason for entering the town. Around ten patrol cars, drones, and police dogs were deployed, while riot police were placed on standby.
Inside the town, officers patrolled streets near the expected party location. Security guards and police ordered attendees to disperse. At one point, about 200 people had gathered near a supermarket and the intended party venue, many bringing their own drinks. By midnight, most groups had left and calm returned.
Echoes of Project X Haren
The Joure incident drew direct comparisons with the notorious Project X riots in Haren, Groningen, in 2012. That event began when a teenage girl accidentally set her Facebook invitation to a birthday party as “public,” with thousands of youths ending up in the small village. The situation escalated into violent riots, drawing international media attention and leaving lasting scars on the community.
Authorities feared a similar outcome in Joure, as the party call explicitly referenced “Project X.” The municipality stressed that participation in any group activities aimed at disturbing public order was strictly prohibited during the emergency ordinance.
Outcome
Despite the strong police deployment and temporary tension in the town, no large-scale violence broke out, and the party never happened. The emergency measures were lifted on Saturday morning, and officials said the rapid action likely prevented escalation.