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Police Use Tear Gas and Water Cannon to Quell Violent Anti-Immigration Protest in The Hague

The clashes sharpen concerns over public order ahead of the Oct. 29 snap election.

Overview

  • Several thousand people gathered at Malieveld, and about 1,500 ran onto the A12 motorway to block traffic, according to ANP and local reports.
  • Rioters threw bottles and rocks at officers, torched a police car, and smashed windows at the D66 party office, footage cited by NOS showed.
  • Police dispersed breakaway groups with tear gas and a water cannon, and a smaller contingent was prevented from reaching the fenced parliament complex.
  • Organizer Els Rechts condemned the violence and urged supporters to go home, while Geert Wilders, who declined an invitation to attend, denounced the rioters.
  • Leaders across the spectrum, including the justice minister and caretaker prime minister, condemned the unrest and pledged accountability, with no immediate confirmation of injuries or arrests.