Kraken in Amsterdam anno 2009 - Squatting in Amsterdam year 2009

This report is the outcome of a research project that took place in The Netherlands between 2008 and 2009 just before the squatting movement was criminalised (October 2010). This research provided empirical results that contested the rationale for criminalisation. Those promoting the criminalisation of squatting argued that the movement was composed by violent individuals and groups, that squatting was not a political act and that criminalisation of squatting would serve as a solution to eradicate this practice. By contrast to these arguments, the research published in this report provided first hand account of a complex social and political movement organised around the practice of squatting. The research concluded that the contemporary squatting movement does not pose any threats to society, and that criminalisation would not be a suitable reaction.