Dozens Detained, Several Injured In The Hague Anti-Immigration Riots (Worthy News Radio)

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief

THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS (Worthy News) – A tense calm has returned to the Dutch city of The Hague after police used teargas and a water cannon to disperse violent anti-immigration protesters late Saturday. Authorities said at least 30 people were arrested and two police officers were injured during the unrest, which erupted just weeks before early national elections, overshadowed by a fierce debate on migration.

The clashes followed a mass demonstration that drew thousands of people despite pouring rain, some carrying Dutch and far-right flags, calling for tougher asylum policies.

Saturday’s protest began peacefully with a Bible reading and a moment of reflection for slain U.S. Christian born-again conservative activist Charlie Kirk, but soon violence soon broke out.

But later, rioters hurled bottles and stones at police, torched a police car, and smashed windows at the headquarters of the centrist Democrats 66 party (D66), often accused by critics of backing a pro-migration agenda.

Mayor Jan van Zanen condemned the violence, saying he was “ashamed” that so many were willing to attack officers “who are here to protect us all.”

The turmoil came amid heightened tensions following the August 20 killing of 17-year-old Lisa, allegedly by a rejected asylum seeker. Her murder shocked the country and further fueled political divisions over migration.

That issue already brought down Prime Minister Dick Schoof’s cabinet after Geert Wilders’ Party for Freedom (PVV) withdrew from the coalition over asylum policy disputes.

However, Wilders, whose party currently leads in opinion polls, condemned Saturday’s violence as “utterly unacceptable,” and condemned those involved in destruction and attacks against police.

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