An anti-asylum demonstration in The Hague spiralled into chaos as masked rioters clashed with Dutch police, leaving streets littered with debris and a police vehicle set ablaze.
Thousands had gathered for the protest, organised under the banner of Els Rechts, a social media activist opposed to mass migration.
Although billed as a peaceful rally, violence soon broke out. Several Video footage shared online showed protesters pelting riot police with bottles and rocks, while officers deployed water cannons and tear gas in an attempt to restore order.
At least one police car was torched, highways were blocked, and an office belonging to the liberal Democrats 66 (D66) party was vandalised.
Els Rechts, who has more than 23,000 followers on X, distanced herself from the violence. “I condemn every form of violence,” she wrote after the riots. “Police officers were cornered and things were destroyed. I regret this deeply and would never have organised the event had I known it would unfold this way.”
The unrest drew condemnation across the political spectrum. Geert Wilders, leader of the far-Right Freedom Party and a frontrunner in next month’s elections, described the rioters as “idiots.” He said: “Blocking the highway and violence against the police is totally and completely unacceptable. Tackle this scum with an iron fist.”
Rob Jetten, leader of D66, whose offices were attacked, also lashed out at the rioters: “Keep your hands off political parties. If you think you can intimidate us, tough luck.”
Tensions over migration have been escalating in the Netherlands, echoing unrest in the UK, France and Germany.
Anger over housing shortages, rising living costs, and asylum accommodation has fuelled Right-wing populist movements, with opinion polls predicting a strong showing for Mr Wilders’ party in the upcoming vote.
