Dutch police deployed teargas and a water cannon to disperse violent anti-immigration protesters in The Hague on Saturday, resulting in 30 arrests and two police officers injured, according to a local government spokesperson.
Thousands of demonstrators, many waving Dutch flags and far-right symbols, clashed with police, throwing rocks and bottles. A police car was set on fire and a highway was briefly blocked. Protesters also smashed windows at the headquarters of the centre-left D66 party.
D66 leader Rob Jetten condemned the violence on social media, writing: “Scum. You keep your hands off political parties. If you think you can intimidate us, tough luck. We will never let extremist rioters take our beautiful country away.”
The protest was organised by a rightwing activist demanding stricter immigration policies ahead of the 29 October national election. Anti-migration populist Geert Wilders, who was invited to speak but did not attend, condemned the violence on X, calling those involved “idiots” and “scum”.
Authorities have not ruled out further arrests as they review camera footage. A smaller group of rioters also headed towards the Dutch parliament complex, which is currently fenced off for renovation.
