Netherlands: Demonstrators gather in The Hague July 12 /update 4

Event

A group of some 150 protesters has gathered in The Hague on Sunday, July 12, to protest measures introduced by the government in order to combat the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The demonstrators have reportedly marched to Binnenhof. Although police are present at the demonstration, the event has reportedly remained peaceful.

Context

Protests over government regulations regarding COVID-19, and specifically the requirement that people maintain social distancing of 1.5m (5ft), have been occurring in The Hague and Amsterdam since May. Previous events have seen police carry out dozens of arrests. On June 21, police used water cannons to disperse protesters in the Malieveld area.

Advice

Individuals in The Hague are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.