Dutch riot police clashed with approximately 500 far-right demonstrators in The Hague on Saturday, using water cannons and baton charges to disperse a rally that descended into violence. Authorities arrested 24 people as officers, supported by specialist dogs, moved in to end the unrest after protesters threw fireworks and other projectiles at law enforcement.
The event, organized under the banner “We Are The People,” was intended to protest government immigration and asylum policies. Participants had planned a march through the city center, but the municipality of The Hague revoked the permit for the procession once violence erupted among the crowd gathering in Malieveld park. Officials subsequently ordered the demonstration to be broken up entirely.
Prime Minister Rob Jetten condemned the actions of the demonstrators, stating on social media platform X that the crowd deliberately sought confrontation and chanted “abhorrent” far-right and antisemitic slogans. Jetten, whose centrist D66 party headquarters was targeted during similar riots a year ago, emphasized the severity of the behavior exhibited by the group.
Justice Minister David van Weel also responded strongly, calling for an “extremely firm” reaction to what he described as “disgusting scenes.” Van Weel noted that protesters performed Nazi salutes, chanted antisemitic slogans, and physically attacked officers. He confirmed that further investigations are underway regarding the incidents.
The Saturday disturbances marked the first anniversary of significant riots sparked by a right-wing demonstration. During those earlier clashes, a police vehicle was set ablaze and the D66 party headquarters was attacked. This recent unrest has prompted renewed scrutiny of far-right activities and law enforcement responses in the Netherlands.
Is it odd they arrested only 24 people? Seems light given the scale of the chaos and projectile throwing.
Thank goodness the government took a firm stand. Antisemitism has no place in our society.