Six Journalists Injured in Riots in The Hague After Asylum Policy Protest
den haag, zondag, 21 september 2025.
On Saturday evening, riots broke out after a demonstration against asylum policy in The Hague. Six journalists, including five photographers, were injured by aggressive demonstrators. Mayor Jan van Zanen condemned the violence as ‘unprecedented and unworthy of the Netherlands’. The police arrested over thirty individuals, and several officers were injured. The D66 party office was attacked, with smashed windows and a burning bin.
Six Journalists Injured in Riots in The Hague After Asylum Policy Protest
On Saturday evening, riots broke out after a demonstration against asylum policy in The Hague. Six journalists, including five photographers, were injured by aggressive demonstrators. Mayor Jan van Zanen condemned the violence as ‘unprecedented and unworthy of the Netherlands’. The police arrested over thirty individuals, and several officers were injured. The D66 party office was attacked, with smashed windows and a burning bin. [1][2][3]
Course of the Demonstration and Riots
The demonstration began peacefully at Malieveld, where hundreds gathered to protest against the current asylum policy. However, the situation quickly escalated when a group of demonstrators entered the A12 and began throwing stones, bottles, and fireworks at the police. The police responded with water cannons and the Mobile Unit to regain control of the situation. [2][3][4]
Violence Against Journalists and Police
Several journalists were attacked by demonstrators. Five photographers and one television reporter were injured, some receiving significant blows. A photographer from RVP Media had to be taken to hospital by ambulance. Two police officers were also injured during the confrontations. [2][3][5]
Attacks on Public Buildings
In addition to the violence against journalists and police, public buildings were also attacked. The D66 party office in the centre of The Hague was besieged, with eight windows smashed and a bin set on fire outside the building. The protesters also moved towards the Binnenhof, but the police managed to keep them away. [2][3][6]
Reactions from Politicians and the Mayor
Mayor Jan van Zanen of The Hague condemned the violence as ‘unprecedented and unworthy of the Netherlands’ and described it as ‘deliberate rioting’. He emphasised that groups of hooligans from various parts of the country had come to The Hague to seek confrontation with the police. D66 leader Rob Jetten condemned the attacks on the party office and stressed that ‘you stay away from political parties’. [2][3][6]
Police Investigation and Arrests
The police have set up a special team to track down and arrest those involved. So far, over thirty people have been arrested, most for public violence against the police. The police are using extensive footage from the riots to identify suspects. More arrests are expected. [2][3][6]
Impact and Future Measures
The events in The Hague have had a significant impact on the debate about asylum policy and safety during demonstrations. Politicians and authorities have announced that additional security measures will be implemented for future protests. There will also be a dialogue between the police and protest organisers to discuss and improve the situation. [2][3][6]