Tear gas, water cannon used in Hague anti-migration protest

A police car burns during clashes at a demonstration in The Hague, September 20, 2025
Politico

Thousands demonstrated in The Hague on Saturday demanding stricter migration policies and tougher controls on asylum seekers. Dutch police deployed tear gas and a water cannon after protesters smashed windows, set a police car alight and blocked a highway.

Thirty people were arrested and two officers injured, local authorities said.

The protest was organised by right-wing activist Els Rechts and took place just over a month before the national election on 29 October. Footage from broadcaster NOS showed protesters waving Dutch flags and banners linked to far-right groups, as well as throwing bottles and rocks at police.

A police car was torched and a group blocked a major highway near the demonstration site. Several windows were smashed at the headquarters of the centre-left D66 party. D66 leader Rob Jetten said the damage inside the building was extensive. 

Anti-migration populist Geert Wilders, who remains a strong figure in the polls, was invited to speak at the event but did not attend. He later condemned the violence, saying attacks on police were “utterly unacceptable” and calling those involved “idiots”. 

Police have not ruled out more arrests as they review camera footage, according to local authorities. 

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