'We're imprisoned in our own country!' - Nationalist protesters demand tougher asylum rules in The Hague

'We're imprisoned in our own country!' - Nationalist protesters demand tougher asylum rules in The Hague

"Hundreds of nationalist demonstrators marched through The Hague on Saturday, demanding tougher asylum rules amid growing political tensions over immigration. Footage shows protesters carrying Dutch flags, lighting flares and chanting as they moved through the city centre, while police made several arrests. A number of participants were seen dressed as Zwarte Piet ('Black Piet'), a character widely criticised for its blackface depiction and condemned by many in the Netherlands as 'racist'. "People cannot pay for food. They cannot pay for the electricity, for the heating in the house. It’s enough. They don’t get any houses anymore. It’s too crowded," one demonstrator said. “We feel in a prison in our own country now.” “If you say something similar about foreigners, you are immediately a fascist. So yes, that’s also what bothers us. Immigration is not so bad when there is the occasional foreigner to the extent that they behave, of course. But when it’s that many people, it just becomes a threat,” added another. The rally comes as the Party for Freedom (PVV) continues to push for what it calls the 'strictest asylum rules ever', following months of political turmoil. Tensions peaked in June 2025 when the PVV’s withdrawal triggered the collapse of the four-party coalition, leaving the government in caretaker mode ahead of October’s election. Since then, the outgoing administration has advanced an 'Asylum Emergency Measures Act' aimed at capping asylum numbers, restricting family reunification and shortening temporary residency permits. Ministers have said the measures are designed to make the Netherlands 'unattractive' for asylum seekers, though protesters claim the policies are not being properly enforced. Legal experts and the Council of State have warned that several provisions risk breaching international treaties, arguing that the pressure on the asylum system stems from long-standing structural issues rather than an acute emergency."

'We're imprisoned in our own country!' - Nationalist protesters demand tougher asylum rules in The Hague

'We're imprisoned in our own country!' - Nationalist protesters demand tougher asylum rules in The Hague

"Hundreds of nationalist demonstrators marched through The Hague on Saturday, demanding tougher asylum rules amid growing political tensions over immigration. Footage shows protesters carrying Dutch flags, lighting flares and chanting as they moved through the city centre, while police made several arrests. A number of participants were seen dressed as Zwarte Piet ('Black Piet'), a character widely criticised for its blackface depiction and condemned by many in the Netherlands as 'racist'. "People cannot pay for food. They cannot pay for the electricity, for the heating in the house. It’s enough. They don’t get any houses anymore. It’s too crowded," one demonstrator said. “We feel in a prison in our own country now.” “If you say something similar about foreigners, you are immediately a fascist. So yes, that’s also what bothers us. Immigration is not so bad when there is the occasional foreigner to the extent that they behave, of course. But when it’s that many people, it just becomes a threat,” added another. The rally comes as the Party for Freedom (PVV) continues to push for what it calls the 'strictest asylum rules ever', following months of political turmoil. Tensions peaked in June 2025 when the PVV’s withdrawal triggered the collapse of the four-party coalition, leaving the government in caretaker mode ahead of October’s election. Since then, the outgoing administration has advanced an 'Asylum Emergency Measures Act' aimed at capping asylum numbers, restricting family reunification and shortening temporary residency permits. Ministers have said the measures are designed to make the Netherlands 'unattractive' for asylum seekers, though protesters claim the policies are not being properly enforced. Legal experts and the Council of State have warned that several provisions risk breaching international treaties, arguing that the pressure on the asylum system stems from long-standing structural issues rather than an acute emergency."

'Another kick in the face to justice' - Thousands demand respect for Gaza peace as Milan marks UN Palestine International Solidarity Day

'Another kick in the face to justice' - Thousands demand respect for Gaza peace as Milan marks UN Palestine International Solidarity Day

"Thousands of activists rallied across Milan on Saturday to commemorate the UN International Solidarity Day with the Palestinian People. Footage shows protesters chanting and marching with Palestinian flags, while others hoisted banners demanding the release of Palestinian prisoners and activists. The police were heavily deployed along the route of the march to ensure public safety and order. "We think it is a fundamental thing to give hope to a martyred land," shared an activist. She further called for the liberty of Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, describing him as 'the only figure' capable of uniting the Palestinian people. "I think that a solution must be made with international diplomacy to force Israel, but really force it, to a solution of peace, because every agreement that is signed and then not respected is another insult, another kick in the face to justice," added Jessica Todaro, member of the CUB trade union. Protesters also chanted against Israeli actions in Gaza and US President Donald Trump, whose September peace plan has been unable to prevent fighting in Gaza. The demo took place a day after a mass rally, where protesters condemned the government over its 'war budget', which benefited arms manufacturers. Pro-Palestine movements were also reported in other Italian cities, including Rome and Genoa, on Saturday, according to local media. Back in 1977, the UN General Assembly called for the annual observance of 29 November as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People."

'Another kick in the face to justice' - Thousands demand respect for Gaza peace as Milan marks UN Palestine International Solidarity Day

'Another kick in the face to justice' - Thousands demand respect for Gaza peace as Milan marks UN Palestine International Solidarity Day

"Thousands of activists rallied across Milan on Saturday to commemorate the UN International Solidarity Day with the Palestinian People. Footage shows protesters chanting and marching with Palestinian flags, while others hoisted banners demanding the release of Palestinian prisoners and activists. The police were heavily deployed along the route of the march to ensure public safety and order. "We think it is a fundamental thing to give hope to a martyred land," shared an activist. She further called for the liberty of Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, describing him as 'the only figure' capable of uniting the Palestinian people. "I think that a solution must be made with international diplomacy to force Israel, but really force it, to a solution of peace, because every agreement that is signed and then not respected is another insult, another kick in the face to justice," added Jessica Todaro, member of the CUB trade union. Protesters also chanted against Israeli actions in Gaza and US President Donald Trump, whose September peace plan has been unable to prevent fighting in Gaza. The demo took place a day after a mass rally, where protesters condemned the government over its 'war budget', which benefited arms manufacturers. Pro-Palestine movements were also reported in other Italian cities, including Rome and Genoa, on Saturday, according to local media. Back in 1977, the UN General Assembly called for the annual observance of 29 November as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People."