Protests over immigration turn violent in Netherlands

An anti-immigration protest in The Hague turned violent on Saturday, with protestors clashing with police as authorities used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds, Politico reported.

Thousands had gathered in the Malieveld district to demand stricter immigration policies. The situation escalated when some protesters threw bottles and stones, set police vehicles on fire, and confronted officers, local media said.

The unrest spread toward the city centre, where rioters smashed windows at the headquarters of the liberal D66 party. Police deployed riot control units, tear gas, and water cannons to regain order.


Justice Minister Foort van Oosten called the attacks on law enforcement “absolutely unacceptable,” adding on social media, “Demonstrating is a great thing in the Netherlands, but hands off our officers!”

Far-right politician Geert Wilders described the protesters as “idiots,” while former European Commissioner Frans Timmermans, now leader of the Labour-Green alliance, called the scenes “Trumpian conditions, fueled by politicians who sow fear and division.” He urged citizens not to stay silent, writing: “Remaining silent is not an option. You must make your voice heard.”

The unrest comes ahead of snap elections on October 29, following the collapse of the right-wing governing coalition in June. Wilders withdrew his party from the 11-month-old administration led by former Prime Minister Dick Schoof, accusing coalition partners of failing to support his proposals to sharply limit asylum for refugees, Al Jazeera reported.