Dutch riot police break up violent far-right protest in The Hague
News Source
β’Sat, 19 Sep 2026 17:55:45 +0000
π° What Happened
Riot police in The Hague broke up a far-right protest on Saturday after about 500 demonstrators threw fireworks and other objects at officers. Police used batons, dogs and water cannon. They arrested 24 people.
The rally was called 'Wij zijn het volk', which means 'We are the people'. It was held to oppose the Dutch government's immigration and asylum policies. Organisers had planned a march, but the city banned it once violence started.
Prime Minister Rob Jetten said the crowd wanted a fight with police and shouted far-right and antisemitic slogans. Justice Minister David van Weel also condemned the scenes.
π The Backstory
Last year police used water cannon at another anti-immigration rally in the same park in The Hague. A police car was set on fire and the offices of the D66 party were attacked. The leader of D66, Rob Jetten, is now prime minister.
Far-right parties have gained ground across Europe as voters argue about migration. The Netherlands has a new government, and asylum rules are a heated topic there.
π― Why It Matters
Protests like this show how angry the debate about migration has become in Europe. Violent rallies can scare residents and pull police away from other work. They also test how far free speech goes.
Riot police in The Hague broke up a far-right protest on Saturday after about 500 demonstrators threw fireworks and other objects at officers. Police used batons, dogs and water cannon. They arrested 24 people.
The rally was called 'Wij zijn het volk', which means 'We are the people'. It was held to oppose the Dutch government's immigration and asylum policies. Organisers had planned a march, but the city banned it once violence started.
Prime Minister Rob Jetten said the crowd wanted a fight with police and shouted far-right and antisemitic slogans. Justice Minister David van Weel also condemned the scenes.
Last year police used water cannon at another anti-immigration rally in the same park in The Hague. A police car was set on fire and the offices of the D66 party were attacked. The leader of D66, Rob Jetten, is now prime minister.
Far-right parties have gained ground across Europe as voters argue about migration. The Netherlands has a new government, and asylum rules are a heated topic there.
Protests like this show how angry the debate about migration has become in Europe. Violent rallies can scare residents and pull police away from other work. They also test how far free speech goes.