(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
Thousands rallied in The Hague on Saturday for an anti-immigration protest, but things quickly turned chaotic as clashes erupted with police. Demonstrators demanded tougher immigration rules in the Netherlands, yet the event spiraled into violence, with crowds throwing bottles and stones, setting police cars on fire, and facing off against officers.
The gathering started peacefully in the Malieveld area, but unrest spread to the city center. Rioters smashed windows at the headquarters of the liberal D66 party, according to Dutch broadcaster NOS. Police fought back with riot squads, tear gas, and water cannons to break up the crowds and restore order.
Dutch leaders from all sides slammed the violence. Justice Minister Foort van Oosten called attacks on police “absolutely unacceptable” in a social media post. “Demonstrating is a great thing in the Netherlands, but hands off our officers!” he wrote.
Far-right figure Geert Wilders labeled the protesters “idiots.” Meanwhile, Frans Timmermans, now heading the Labour-Green alliance and a former European Commissioner, blasted the chaos as “Trumpian conditions” stirred up by politicians spreading fear. He urged people to speak out: “Remaining silent is not an option. You must make your voice heard.”
This outburst hits at a tense time in Dutch politics. The country heads to snap elections on October 29 after the right-wing coalition government fell in June. Wilders pulled his party from the short-lived administration under ex-Prime Minister Dick Schoof, frustrated that partners wouldn’t support his push for strict asylum limits on refugees.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
