Police intervene as climate protest blocks A12 in The Hague

Police intervened Saturday afternoon as at least 150 Extinction Rebellion activists blocked the A12 highway towards The Hague, staging an unauthorized protest against fossil fuel subsidies.

"We have repeatedly ordered the activists to end the blockade. After noncompliance, we proceeded to arrest those who did not heed our instructions," local police said on X. Protesters also occupied the A12 tunnel section, where police deployed two water cannons, according to the ANP reporter on-site.

The Hague municipality also took to X to alert residents and commuters:
"Due to the blockade of the A12 and other traffic junctions, Den Haag is difficult to access. Please monitor traffic updates. The protest is not authorized, and demonstrators are instructed to relocate to Malieveld."

The blockade caused significant disruption to traffic, with activists also obstructing roads near Utrechtsebaan, including Koningskade and Zuid Hollandlaan. Bicycles were placed across the city-bound lanes of the A12 as part of the demonstration.