Story perspectives

Police arrest 24 after far-right protest in The Hague

By Drooid · Sep 19, 2026, 10:28 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Police broke up a far-right protest in The Hague after fireworks were thrown.
Around 500 demonstrators gathered at Malieveld before the march was banned.
Police used batons, dogs, pepper spray and water cannon, arresting 24 people.
Justice Minister David van Weel called the scenes “disgusting” and demanded a firm response on X.
Prime Minister Rob Jetten said protesters deliberately sought confrontation and shouted antisemitic slogans.

History

Historical Context

After Theo van Gogh’s 2 November 2004 murder, anti-Islamic protesters stormed The Hague’s Malieveld, prompting police to arrest eight demonstrators, sparking a debate over free speech, blasphemy laws and immigration championed by figures such as Geert Wilders. Today, a far-right rally condemned by Justice Minister David van Weel led to 24 arrests, echoing that legacy.

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Story summary

Police broke up a far-right protest in The Hague after fireworks were thrown.
Around 500 demonstrators gathered at Malieveld before the march was banned.
Police used batons, dogs, pepper spray and water cannon, arresting 24 people.
Justice Minister David van Weel called the scenes “disgusting” and demanded a firm response on X.
Prime Minister Rob Jetten said protesters deliberately sought confrontation and shouted antisemitic slogans.

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