Dutch police disperse far-right rally after violence in The Hague

Dutch riot police dispersed hundreds of far-right protesters in The Hague on Saturday after violence erupted at an anti-immigration rally, marking the second consecutive year of unrest at a similar demonstration. Authorities banned a planned march and ordered the crowd to leave after clashes broke out at the Malieveld park in the city center. Police used batons, dogs, and water cannons to break up the gathering of approximately 500 demonstrators. The protesters, who had assembled to protest government immigration and asylum policies, threw fireworks and other projectiles at officers. Officials reported that participants performed Nazi salutes and chanted antisemitic slogans during the event. The Hague municipality intervened after the violence began, canceling the march and directing police to clear the area. Acting Mayor Richard de Mos stated that the violence directed at police "crossed a line." Police arrested 24 people during the operation, which concluded by mid-afternoon. Justice Minister David van Weel condemned the "disgusting scenes" on social media, calling for an "extremely firm" response to the violence and hate speech.