Law enforcement in The Hague intervened at a far-right demonstration on Saturday that drew approximately 500 participants opposing immigration and asylum policies. The gathering deteriorated into violence when attendees hurled projectiles and fireworks at police officers. Authorities deployed riot units equipped with batons and dogs to disperse the crowd from Malieveld park in the city center. Police also utilized water cannon and made 24 arrests as they cleared the area.
The event, organized under the name “Wij zijn het volk” (“We are the people”), was initially planned to include a march through The Hague but was halted by local authorities due to the violent conduct. Organizers had scheduled the rally to protest government immigration policies. Attendees displayed controversial imagery, including Hitler salutes, and held signs reading “The Netherlands is for the Dutch.” Reports indicated that demonstrators chanted slogans characterized by antisemitic and far-right rhetoric.
Prime Minister Rob Jetten and Justice Minister David van Weel both condemned the incidents, with Jetten stating that demonstrators had deliberately sought confrontation with law enforcement. Van Weel emphasized the importance of strong action against the conduct and acknowledged police efforts in upholding democratic principles. One 31-year-old protester quoted in news reports stated concerns about what he characterized as demographic changes in the nation.
The Saturday unrest marked a recurrence of similar tensions in The Hague, following comparable anti-immigration demonstrations approximately one year prior. That earlier event also resulted in clashes between police and protesters, including property damage at a political party headquarters.
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