Anti-immigration protest turns into riots: Flags, fires, and anger in The Hague
An anti-immigration protest in The Hague spiraled out of control on Saturday, resulting in property damage, clashes with police, and significant disruption in the city.
The demonstration began peacefully in Malifield Square around noon, where thousands gathered to express their opposition to current asylum policies and demand more housing. However, tensions quickly escalated when about 1,500 protesters moved towards the A12 highway and blocked traffic. Protesters threw stones and bottles at the police, and a police car was set on fire. Security forces responded with tear gas and water cannons to restore order, and the highway was reopened later.
Amid the chaos, rioters targeted the D66 party office on Lange Houtstraat, smashing windows and setting fire to a nearby container. According to a party spokesperson, there was no one inside the building at the time of the attack. A group of protesters also moved towards the Binnenhof parliament complex, but riot police prevented them from reaching it.
From the platform, the protest organization known as Els Rights urged the crowd repeatedly to stay in Malifield and protest peacefully, reminding them that the designated site is the square and not the highway. Despite these calls, parts of the protest slipped into chaos, and acts of violence dominated the scene.
The demonstration also carried strong political symbols, as protesters raised the Dutch national flags, including the orange-white-blue version historically associated with the NSB movement, the Dutch National Socialist movement during World War II. Fireworks were also set off, and banners were carried featuring controversial right-wing figures such as American influencer Charlie Kirk and Dutch politician Pim Fortuyn.
The events in The Hague have reignited the debate over immigration, extremism, and the limits of public protest, as authorities assess how a peaceful demonstration turned into one of the most tumultuous protests in recent years.