Violent scenes ripped through the historic Dutch city of The Hague on Saturday evening as a mob of far-right agitators launched a brutal assault on police forces. The disorder erupted following the arrest of a prominent anti-Islam activist, plunging the city centre into chaos.
Riot officers were pelted with bricks, fireworks, and paving stones by a crowd of several hundred, described by authorities as "extremely aggressive". The confrontations left a trail of destruction, with damaged police vehicles and shattered glass littering the streets.
Flashpoint for Violence
The catalyst for the unrest was the detention of Edwin Wagensveld, leader of the Dutch chapter of the German far-right group Pegida. Wagensveld was arrested while attempting to stage a provocative protest, which had been officially banned by the municipality in a bid to prevent public disorder.
His supporters, gathered outside the city's central station, swiftly transformed into a violent mob upon news of his arrest. The situation escalated from a demonstration into a full-scale riot in a matter of minutes.
A Forceful Police Response
Dutch law enforcement responded with a significant show of force. Officers were seen charging at the rioters, using batons and shields to push back the advancing crowd. At least five police horses were deployed to help disperse the throngs.
The police confirmed making mass arrests, though an exact number of detainees was not immediately released. A spokesperson for the Hague police stated, "We have arrested several people. The situation is now under control."
Clean-Up and Condemnation
By Sunday morning, the clean-up operation was underway. Municipal workers swept up debris and repaired damaged infrastructure, erasing the physical scars of the night's violence.
The riots have been met with widespread condemnation from Dutch officials, who reiterated that the right to protest does not extend to violence and destruction. The events in The Hague serve as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of far-right extremism in Europe.
