Violent anti-immigration demonstration in The Hague

An anti-immigration demonstration in The Hague degenerated on Saturday. Some 1,500 protesters tried to block the A12 freeway despite instructions to the contrary. Many wore black and balaclavas. Police responded with tear gas and a water cannon after stones and bottles were thrown. At least 30 arrests and two injured police officers were reported. Mayor Jan van Zanen spoke of hooligans looking for a confrontation. Prime Minister Dick Schoof and Geert Wilders denounced the violence, pointing out that protest does not authorize attacks.