Dutch Police Fire Tear Gas at Anti-Immigration Protesters, 30 Detained
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Dutch police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse violent anti-immigration protesters in The Hague on Saturday, arresting 30 people and leaving two officers injured, authorities said.
Authorities said more arrests could follow after reviewing video footage.
Thousands had joined a rally organized by a right-wing activist demanding tighter migration rules and curbs on asylum seekers, weeks before a national election.
Footage from broadcaster NOS showed protesters, many carrying Dutch and far-right flags, throwing rocks and bottles at police.
A police car was set on fire and protesters briefly blocked a nearby highway.
Local media reported demonstrators also smashed windows at the headquarters of the centre-left D66 party, which far-right groups often criticize as representing the progressive elite.
D66 leader Rob Jetten wrote on social media platform X that the damage was extensive.
"If you think you can intimidate us, tough luck. We will never let extremist rioters take away our beautiful country," he said.
Geert Wilders, the anti-immigration populist who won the last election and has led recent opinion polls ahead of the Oct. 29 vote, was invited to speak but did not attend.
He condemned the unrest on X, calling the violence against police "utterly unacceptable" and labelling those involved "idiots."
