Violent clashes erupt between Dutch police, anti-immigration protestors

Dutch police used tear gas and water cannons on Saturday to break up violent anti-immigration protests in The Hague, where about 1,500 demonstrators blocked a highway.

Authorities said 30 people were arrested and two officers injured after protesters threw rocks and bottles. A police vehicle was also set on fire, according to national news agency ANP.

Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned the unrest, calling the scenes “shocking and bizarre” and stressing that such violence was “completely unacceptable.”

Far-right leader Geert Wilders, whose Party for Freedom (PVV) leads in opinion polls ahead of the October 29 election, had been invited to speak but did not attend. He later criticized the clashes, calling those responsible “idiots” and saying violence against police was “utterly unacceptable.”

The demonstration, organized by a right-wing activist, called for stricter migration policies and curbs on asylum seekers. Violence broke out when groups of protesters, many waving Dutch flags and far-right symbols, confronted security forces.

Later, demonstrators smashed windows at the headquarters of the center-left D66 party. D66 leader Rob Jetten said damage inside was “extensive” but confirmed no one was in the building at the time.

“If you think you can intimidate us, tough luck,” Jetten said on social media. “We will never let extremist rioters take away our beautiful country.”

The protests come amid heightened political tensions over migration. The Dutch government collapsed in June after Wilders withdrew his party from the ruling coalition following disputes over asylum policies.