Around 37 arrested, 4 officers injured in violent anti-immigration riots in The Hague

Riots broke out in Den Haag on Saturday following an anti-immigration demonstration at the Malieveld, leading to at least 37 arrests, four injured police officers, and widespread violence against journalists and property.

A special police team had been set up to identify suspects, particularly those responsible for attacks on officers, reporters, and property damage, according to Deputy Chief Prosecutor Van Dijk.

Seven journalists were injured, including five photographers and one television reporter. At least two press photographers were beaten and kicked.

Mayor Jan van Zanen described the unrest as “unprecedented and unworthy of the Netherlands.” He said, “Groups of hooligans from across the country deliberately sought confrontation with the police. They used extreme violence.”

Police Chief Krukkert confirmed there were prior warnings that people with “wrong intentions” would attend the protest, but he admitted the scale and level of violence were unforeseen.

The demonstration began around noon at the Malieveld, organized weeks earlier by a woman who calls herself “Els Rechts” on social media. Soon after, a group of more than 1,000 demonstrators moved toward the A12 highway and immediately used heavy violence against officers, Krukkert said. Police responded with a water cannon and tear gas.

Clashes continued in and around the Malieveld. Rioters threw stones, glass, and metal posts at officers. Several police cars were set on fire.

As riot police confronted rioters, the demonstration itself continued for some time. Authorities eventually ordered it shut down, saying safety could no longer be guaranteed.

Rioters then moved into the city center, where property was destroyed, including at the D66 party headquarters. “There are many camera images of the vandalism,” Van Dijk said.

Demonstrators try storming Binnenhof

Demonstrators also attempted to storm the Binnenhof. Van Zanen called it “a serious attempt.” Video footage showed rioters trying to break through a gate between the Plein and the parliamentary complex. Riot police with shields blocked the entrance, sparking more clashes.

By late afternoon, most rioters had left the city center, though some reportedly remained in cafes and bars. Around 7 p.m., police intervened again at the Plein, arresting at least five more people who appeared to have participated in the earlier protest.

The violence drew condemnation from political parties across the spectrum. Protest organizer “Els Rechts” also distanced herself, writing on X, “What happened here is not understandable. I would never have organized the protest if I had known it would escalate this way.” In a later livestream, she suggested the far-left group Antifa may have been involved, though Police Chief Krukkert said there is no evidence of that.

Some demonstrators reportedly wore clothing bearing the words “White Power.” Authorities did confirm the involvement of football hooligans. Several demonstrators carried flags of football clubs. Many also displayed prinsenvlaggen — the orange-white-blue flag once used by supporters of William of Orange in the Eighty Years’ War, later adopted by the pro-Nazi NSB in World War II, and now often carried by far-right extremists.