Police arrested 34 people on Saturday during the chaotic “Gen. Z” protest in The Hague. Most of them are between 15 and 18 years old, police report.
The youths were arrested on charges including public violence, possession of prohibited items, and wearing face-covering clothing. They are from cities including Amsterdam, Zwolle, Zwijndrecht, Lemele and Beerta.
Overall, there was no large-scale public disorder. Police employees were, however, thrown illegal fireworks at. “As a result, a police employee was taken to the hospital for possible hearing damage,” police wrote.
No riots or looting, like, for example, earlier in France, took place. However, riot police did intervene on Korte Voorhout. It was previously reported there at least 10 people were arrested there for refusing to comply with police orders.
“It is concerning that the substantial deployment we determined on the basis of intensive preparations was necessary,” said The Hague’s mayor Jan van Zanen. “As a result, the situation remained manageable. We stayed in good contact with business owners and stewards.” He thanked police and riot police for the effort.
Earlier, in The Hague, Maastricht, and Amsterdam, among other places, shops were boarded up out of fear that demonstrations could turn violent. The concerns followed calls on social media to protest in a number of Dutch cities.