Netherlands: Army deployed ahead of farmers’ protest to The Hague October 16-17 /update 1

Event

The Ministry of Defense has deployed military trucks at crucial points to act as road barriers in and around The Hague ahead of another farmers’ convoy protest on Wednesday, October 16, through Thursday, October 17. Organizers have said that they expect around 10,000 tractors to drive to Biltse Rading in De Bilt, before heading towards The Hague’s city center. Local authorities have banned participants from entering the Binnenhof, and have called for peaceful demonstrations. Protesters are expected to depart from The Hague on Thursday and return to their farms, according to diplomatic sources.

A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions, including heavy traffic, are expected in and around The Hague. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

The Dutch government has proposed reducing livestock numbers in order to reduce nitrogen emissions. Farmers protesting the proposal on October 1 caused significant transportation disruptions to highways and roads in and around The Hague. A second farmers protest on October 14 turned violent as it converged on several provincial government buildings across the country, leading to the arrest of at least three people.

Advice

Individuals in The Hague and its surrounding areas, and near Utrecht, are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests and public gatherings, anticipate transportation disruptions, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.