Dutch Police Use Tear Gas, Water Cannon Against Violent Anti-Immigration Protesters

Dutch police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse thousands of anti-migration protesters in The Hague, who were demanding stricter immigration policies and tougher asylum measures just over a month before national elections. The demonstration, organized by right-wing activists and attended by groups waving Dutch and far-right flags, turned violent with protesters throwing rocks and bottles, setting a police car on fire, and briefly blocking a highway. Protesters also vandalized the headquarters of the center-left D66 party, which is viewed by many on the far right as serving a progressive elite. D66 leader Rob Jetten condemned the attacks, stating extremist rioters would not intimidate them, while far-right leader Geert Wilders, invited to speak but absent, denounced the violence, calling the participants "idiots." Police arrested around 30 people and have not ruled out further arrests as investigations continue. The events underscore rising tensions in the Netherlands ahead of the October 29 general election.