Violent Anti-Immigration Protest Erupts in The Hague, Disrupting A12 and Clashing with Police

THE HAGUE, Netherlands – A large anti-immigration demonstration in The Hague on Saturday, September 20, 2025, devolved into significant unrest, featuring confrontations with law enforcement and disruptions to the A12 highway. Approximately 1,500 individuals gathered at Malieveld to protest current immigration policies. The protest turned volatile when a portion of the demonstrators moved to obstruct the A12. During clashes with police, participants reportedly threw stones and bottles, leading authorities to deploy crowd-control measures, including tear gas and water cannons. A police vehicle was set ablaze, and the windows of the local D66 party office were damaged.

The organizer, identified as right-wing activist Els Rechts, expressed regret over the violence, stating she would not have initiated the protest had she anticipated such events. The incident occurred against a backdrop of political flux in the Netherlands, with snap elections scheduled for October 29, 2025, following the collapse of the right-wing government coalition due to disagreements over immigration policy. This political climate heightened the significance of the protest, underscoring deep societal divisions on the issue.

Political figures reacted swiftly to the escalating situation. Rob Jetten, leader of the D66 party, strongly condemned the violence, asserting that the nation would not yield to extremist elements. Similarly, Geert Wilders, leader of the Party for Freedom (PVV), denounced the highway blockade and aggression towards the police as "completely, absolutely unacceptable." These statements highlight the contentious nature of immigration debates within the Dutch political landscape.

The events in The Hague serve as a stark reminder of the complex interplay between public sentiment, political discourse, and the maintenance of public order. As the nation approaches an election, the protest has brought the ongoing dialogue surrounding immigration and national identity into sharp focus, prompting reflection on how societal concerns can be channeled into constructive engagement and policy evolution.