Dutch police clash with hundreds of far-right protesters at anti-immigration rally

On Saturday, Dutch riot police engaged in confrontation with approximately 500 far-right demonstrators in The Hague, employing baton charges, trained canines, and water cannons to scatter the group. The tumultuous event, dubbed the "We Are The People" rally, unfolded as protesters hurled fireworks and other objects, chanted anti-Semitic slogans, and performed Nazi salutes during the protest aimed at opposing government policies on immigration and asylum.

One participant, 31-year-old mechanic Thijs Jansen, expressed his frustration to news agencies: "We're losing our country. We're literally losing our country to mass migration."

Initially, the protesters planned to march through the city; however, local authorities prohibited the march and ordered the assembly to disperse following the outbreak of clashes at Malieveld, a central park where the demonstrators congregated. Mounted police made several arrests during the operation. Justice Minister David van Weel denounced the "disgusting scenes" on social media platform X, advocating for a "extremely firm" response to violence against law enforcement and the use of hate speech.

Van Weel stated on X: "Thanks to all the police officers who are once again standing up for our democratic rule of law."

The unrest on Saturday echoed similar violence that transpired a year ago during a right-wing demonstration in The Hague. Rioters set a police vehicle ablaze and targeted the headquarters of the centrist D66 party, currently presided over by Prime Minister Rob Jetten.