A judge in Amsterdam will consider claims that Zwarte Piet is a racist sterotype and disrespectful towards people of African origin at a special court hearing on May 22.

The case – which will look at the legal merits of the claim – is a follow-on from legal action started by opponents of the Zwarte Piet character last year.

A group of activists went to court in Amsterdam asking for a ban on Zwarte Piets in the traditional Sinterklaas parade but the judge ruled against them.

Legal advisor Frank King told news agency ANP it is important that the judge looks at both sides of the argument so that everyone knows where they stand.

According to website ThePostOnline.nl, the anti-Zwarte Piet campaigners are appealing for donors to fund the legal action.