36 arrested during anti-immigration march in The Hague
A march against immigration in The Hague led to the arrest of 36 people on Saturday, with police reporting that violations included wearing prohibited face coverings and possession of weapons, such as knives and heavy fireworks.
The march was organized by the Nederland in Opstand (NIO) team — translated as Netherlands in Rebellion — and was promoted as a 'march for a safe Netherlands', attracting around 200 participants who walked through the city center. The demonstrators carried Dutch flags and Prinsenvlaggen, which are historical banners in orange, white, and blue, previously associated with the NSB movement, the Dutch National Socialist movement that collaborated with Nazi Germany.
Some participants also wore the costume of Zwarte Piet, a controversial traditional character that has become a symbol of racial and political debate in the Netherlands. The police closely monitored the march, closing side streets and establishing a special security zone that allowed for the search of all individuals present.
It was expected that this security measure would last until ten o'clock in the evening, but the police ended it shortly after five following the dispersal of the crowds. These precautionary measures came amid growing concerns about escalating tensions during such gatherings.
The authorities have been closely monitoring these protests since previous demonstrations turned into acts of violence. On September 20, a far-right march in Malifeld ended in riots and vandalism, while anti-immigration protests in Amsterdam on October 12, despite starting peacefully, later faced clashes with the police.