Netherlands: Farmers currently protesting in the Hague, July 7

Event

Agractie, an organization supporting farmers, is leading ongoing protests at the Malieveld in the Hague July 7 to denounce government policy regarding farm permits and the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers; many participants have arrived in their tractors. Authorities have directed activists to park their tractors on Bezuidenhoutseweg; some activists have ignored police instructions and driven the tractors to the Malieveld. Attendance could exceed 1,000; the action is scheduled to end around 14:00.

Additional police are deployed to monitor the action. Authorities are likely to close roads and implement movement restrictions in the protest area to facilitate the protest. Access to the Hague Central Station, which is near the Malieveld, may also be disrupted. Further traffic disruptions and heavy congestion are likely throughout the city as participants leave the demonstration in their vehicles. Current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) measures restrict gatherings in the Netherlands; police may attempt to shut down the action if it is deemed to be breaching these restrictions. The action is likely to proceed peacefully, though isolated clashes between police and protesters cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid the protest as a routine precaution. Check public transport schedules and local traffic conditions before beginning journeys, and avoid travel to central areas of the Hague, if possible, July 7. Allow extra time to reach destinations, particularly Central Station. Leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation.