Police seek more suspects after The Hague riots
The investigation into rioters involved in violence at a demonstration on the Malieveld is continuing.
Police arrested 24 people on Saturday at the ‘We are the people’ demonstration on the Malieveld in The Hague. The event was ended after some participants threw fireworks at officers, caused damage and failed to comply with agreements.
The demonstration was announced as a protest against the Dutch asylum and immigration policy. According to police, the atmosphere became tense during the rally. Some participants turned violently against the police. Riot police were deployed and also used a water cannon to restore public order.
Police report that fireworks were thrown at officers, damage was caused and some protesters wore face-covering clothing. According to police, this breached agreements made with the organisers of the demonstration. Police also say that antisemitic slogans and gestures were observed. Further investigation is being conducted into the violence and these expressions.
When the unrest continued, The Hague’s deputy mayor decided to end the demonstration. An emergency order was issued. Riot police directed those present towards The Hague Central station. Many participants were checked along the way. The 24 arrests were related, among other things, to failing to comply with the emergency order and possession of prohibited weapons.
The new phase of the investigation focuses on establishing individual involvement. At demonstrations involving large groups, police and the Public Prosecution Service can compare footage, statements and objects found. Being present at a protest is not in itself evidence of criminal conduct; for prosecution, a concrete suspicion must be substantiated.
The safety of journalists is also receiving explicit attention. Police say that several journalists were harassed during the demonstration and that one journalist ended up in the water during the police operation. Police and the Public Prosecution Service say they are working with the Dutch Association of Journalists and the PersVeilig project. According to police, violence against journalists is a high priority in the criminal investigation.
The events once again raise the question of how the right to demonstrate relates to public order. The authorities may end a demonstration when serious disorder continues, but such interventions must remain focused on restoring safety. The coming days will show whether the investigation leads to new suspects or prosecutions.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The demonstration was ended after violence and continuing unrest.
- Police made 24 arrests.
- An emergency order was in force.
- Police are investigating violence, damage and antisemitic expressions.
Left
Arguments The government must protect the right to demonstrate, but may act against violence, intimidation and racist or antisemitic expressions. Organisers and participants must take responsibility for a safe protest.
Values Equal protection under the law, protection of minorities, free journalism and a strong democratic rule of law.
Consequences A tough response to violence is necessary, but broad restrictions on demonstrations can put peaceful opposition and political mobilisation under pressure.
Centre
Arguments The police must act proportionately and distinguish between peaceful demonstrators and people committing criminal offences. Clear conditions in advance and transparent evaluation afterwards are important.
Values Legal certainty, proportionality, administrative responsibility and trust in institutions.
Consequences Targeted intervention can restore public order without unnecessarily restricting the right to demonstrate; poor communication can instead deepen distrust.
Right
Arguments The authorities must act more quickly and visibly against rioters who attack police, journalists and property. A demonstration must not become a safe haven for violence or intimidation.
Values Public order, safety, authority and individual responsibility.
Consequences Swift arrests and tough sentences can have a deterrent effect; excessive restraint, in this view, can lead to repetition and a loss of authority.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The core facts were directly confirmed by police and Associated Press. Assessments concerning possible prosecutions are phrased as expectations rather than established facts.
- confirmed Twenty-four people were arrested at the demonstration. — This is stated in the police report of 19 September 2026. source
- confirmed Fireworks were thrown at officers and the demonstration was ended. — Confirmed by police and AP. source
- confirmed The deputy mayor issued an emergency order. — This is explicitly mentioned in the police report. source
- confirmed An investigation into violence and antisemitic expressions is under way. — Police write that further investigation is being conducted into this. source
- confirmed Several journalists were harassed. — This is stated in the press-safety section of the police report. source
Editor's note
The 24 arrests, the violence, the emergency order and the ongoing investigation are certain. It has not been established how many new suspects will be arrested or which individuals will ultimately be prosecuted.Sources
More on this in Dutch media
- NOS — „den haag”
- Het Parool — „den haag”
- Trouw — „den haag”