Graves and urns vandalized at Westduin cemetery in The Hague

Multiple graves and urns were vandalized at Westduin Cemetery in The Hague on Friday, causing widespread shock and distress. Both children’s graves and adult tombstones were destroyed, with urns broken and even human ashes found scattered on a walking path, according to a witness who spoke to Omroep West.

At a memorial wall for urns, several containers holding ashes were damaged. Additionally, children’s graves were overturned. Caretakers of the cemetery spent part of Friday evening and Saturday trying to repair the most severe damage and notify relatives of the destruction.

One of those affected is Jacqueline, whose son is buried at Westduin. “A large vase and lantern are gone. The figurine my mother placed on the grave was destroyed. The book on the grave has been ripped off,” she said.

Jacqueline’s partner expressed his disbelief, questioning the motives behind the attack. “Children of 5 or 6 years old didn’t do this,” he said. “The vandals probably have no idea of the pain they are causing.” He added, “I’m really angry. They should stay away from children’s graves. The deceased are resting here. This is very painful.”

Grave stones were broken, ornaments were thrown, and toys placed at the children’s graves were damaged. A figurine of an angel was found lying in the grass. "It’s unclear how extensive the damage is," a police spokesperson said. "But it’s clear that the vandal spent some time destroying several gravestones and urns."

The municipality of The Hague condemned the vandalism, with a spokesperson calling the emotional damage to the relatives “enormous.” “The city is ready to assist the victims wherever possible, and each person affected will receive personal help,” the spokesperson added.

The damage appears to be concentrated on the right side of the cemetery. The municipality estimates that 10 to 15 private graves, including children’s graves, and approximately 10 urns were damaged. There was also significant damage to a collective children’s grave. Authorities are still assessing how much of the memorialization for the collective grave has been destroyed.

A notice at the cemetery’s entrance urges anyone who may have witnessed the vandalism to contact authorities, preferably with photos. “If you have information about the vandalism, please email [email protected],” it reads.