A The Hague far-right protest against immigration and asylum policies turned violent on Saturday as Dutch riot police moved in to disperse several hundred demonstrators.
Around 500 people attended the “We Are The People” rally at Malieveld in central The Hague. Police said protesters threw fireworks and other objects at officers, while authorities later ended the demonstration because of continued violence.
Police used baton charges, specialist dogs and water cannons to push the crowd away from the area. Dutch police later said they had arrested 24 people during the unrest.
The Hague Far-Right Protest Erupts Into Violence
The demonstration began as a rally against the Dutch government’s immigration and asylum policies.
However, tensions quickly escalated at Malieveld.
According to police, protesters threw fireworks at officers and caused damage. Some demonstrators also wore face coverings despite an agreement with organisers not to do so.
Authorities eventually ordered the crowd to leave the area.
The planned march through The Hague had already been banned after violence broke out.
Police Use Water Cannons and Dogs
Dutch riot police deployed specialist units to regain control of the situation.
Officers used water cannon as the crowd refused to disperse. Mounted police also helped move protesters away from the demonstration area.
Police said the 24 arrests involved offences including failing to follow the emergency order and possession of prohibited weapons.
As a result, authorities managed to clear the Malieveld and restore order.
Nazi Salutes and Antisemitic Chants Reported
The unrest also drew condemnation over extremist gestures and hate speech.
Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel said demonstrators made Hitler or Nazi salutes and used antisemitic slogans. He also condemned attacks on police officers and the throwing of fireworks at riot police.
Van Weel called for a firm response to violence and hate speech.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rob Jetten also condemned the confrontation with police.
Protesters Oppose Immigration Policies
The “We Are The People” rally focused on immigration and asylum policy.
One protester, 31-year-old mechanic Thijs Jansen, told news agencies that he believed the Netherlands was losing its identity because of mass migration.
The comments reflected the central message of the demonstration.
However, the violence shifted attention away from the protesters’ political demands and toward public-order concerns.
Authorities End Planned March
Organisers had planned to march through parts of The Hague.
Local authorities stopped that plan after violence erupted at Malieveld. They then issued an emergency order and instructed protesters to leave the area.
Police escorted demonstrators toward The Hague Central Station as officers worked to prevent further clashes.
By the afternoon, the main demonstration had been dispersed.
Unrest Echoes Violence From Last Year
Saturday’s The Hague far-right protest came almost exactly one year after another major right-wing demonstration descended into violence in the city.
During that unrest, rioters set a police vehicle on fire and attacked the headquarters of the D66 political party.
This year’s clashes were less extensive, but they again forced police to deploy riot-control equipment and make arrests.
The repeated unrest has added fresh pressure on authorities as the Netherlands continues to debate immigration and asylum policy.
Police Say Investigation Will Continue
Dutch police said investigations would continue into the violence, damage and alleged hate speech.
Authorities are also examining incidents involving journalists who were reportedly harassed during the demonstration. Police said protecting journalists and ensuring they can work safely remains a priority.
For now, the The Hague far-right protest has ended with 24 arrests and renewed debate over how Dutch authorities should handle violent demonstrations.
