The police may search anyone in the city center of The Hague during the demonstration on Saturday.
The center of The Hague will be under strict security measures on Saturday, as the police may search anyone in the area due to a planned demonstration. Mayor Jan van Zanen has declared the city center a security risk area to ensure order and public safety.
The demonstration, named "March for a Safe Netherlands," is scheduled to start at 2:00 PM on Laan van Reagan en Gorbatsjov street. The police will be authorized to search individuals from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, including those not participating in the protest.
Inspections will take place at several key locations, including Koningin Julianaplein, Plein, Lange Vijverberg, Koninginnegracht, Parkstraat, Mauritskade, Koekamp, and The Hague Central station. The boundaries of the security area are marked by a blue dotted line throughout the city center.
Authorities have banned the wearing of clothing that covers the face or any tools that prevent the identification of faces during the demonstration, including masks, full helmets, partial masks (balaclavas), and pieces of fabric that cover the face, in order to maintain visibility and enhance security.
The official authorities confirmed that these measures aim to protect both participants and passersby, and to ensure that the demonstration proceeds safely and without incidents. Citizens are advised to adhere to police instructions while moving within the designated safety area.