Netherlands: Activists plan protest to denounce COVID-19 restrictions in The Hague Nov. 12

Event

Activists denouncing measures imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 plan to protest in The Hague Nov. 12. Participants will gather on Turfmarkt from 19:00; the action is timed to coincide with a government press conference expected to confirm a tightening of COVID-19 restrictions. Attendance will likely be in the hundreds.

Additional police will be deployed to facilitate the press conference and monitor protesters. Associated security measures, including road closures and movement restrictions, will prompt localized transport disruptions. Access and services at the nearby Den Haag Centraal train station may be disrupted during the protest. Other public transport services in the surrounding area may be canceled or diverted.

Isolated clashes between police and protesters are likely, particularly if activists attempt to breach security cordons. Activists dispersed by police may attempt to gather in other parts of the city. At a protest targeting a similar press conference on Turfmarkt Nov. 2 at least 13 protesters were arrested for throwing stones and fireworks at police. While bystanders are unlikely to be directly targeted in any violence they would face a significant indirect threat of physical harm.

Advice

Avoid the protest as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security forces and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check for transport disruptions and allow extra time for travel in the surrounding area the evening of Nov. 12.