On Saturday, February 21, 2026, clashes erupted in the Vogelwijk district of The Hague as police used batons and water cannons to disperse an unregistered protest.

 

Vogelwijk district on Saturday as police baton-charged and arrested protesters opposing plans to convert a former Red Cross hospital on Sportlaan into temporary housing for approximately 750 asylum seekers,

On Saturday, February 21, 2026, clashes erupted in the Vogelwijk district of The Hague as police used batons and water cannons to disperse an unregistered protest.

The demonstration targeted the municipality's plan to convert a former hospital on Sportlaan—alternatively identified as the former Red Cross or Haga Hospital—into temporary housing for approximately 750 people.

 

Key details of the incident include:

The Site: The facility is slated to house around 440 asylum seekers, along with homeless individuals, status holders, and housing starters.

Police Action: Riot police (ME) performed baton charges after protesters refused to leave the residential area.

Casualties & Arrests: According to NL Times, eight people were arrested and one police officer was injured during the unrest.

Local Sentiment: Protesters carried banners with slogans such as "Azc, nee! Seniorenwoningen Ja!" (Asylum center, no! Senior housing, yes!) and expressed safety concerns regarding the large-scale facility in their neighborhood.