Chaos in The Hague: Eight Arrested at Asylum Protest, Officer Injured
Eight people were arrested during a protest in The Hague against the planned arrival of asylum seekers at the former Haga Hospital on Sportlaan. During the demonstration, a police officer was struck on the back of the head with an object and later treated by paramedics.
According to police, those arrested are suspected of offenses including disturbing public order and insult. One individual was specifically detained on suspicion of assaulting the officer. The injured officer’s condition was assessed at the scene.
The protest was not registered with the municipality. Earlier in the day, the mayor had designated the area a high-risk security zone from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., allowing police to carry out preventive searches. Authorities had anticipated possible unrest surrounding the demonstration.
The activists oppose housing asylum seekers at the former Haga Hospital in the Vogelwijk district. The building currently functions as a winteropvang (winter shelter) for around eighty homeless people. Beginning next quarter, additional groups — including asylum seekers, young people, and homeless families — are set to move in gradually. In total, approximately 750 temporary residents are expected.
The protest began in the early afternoon and quickly turned turbulent. Riot police intervened several times as tensions escalated. Reports from Omroep West stated that some demonstrators, including groups of young men dressed in dark clothing and caps, made extremist gestures. Police eventually charged at protesters and used batons to restore order.