A large anti-immigration protest in The Hague, Netherlands, escalated into violence this Saturday, resulting in at least 30 arrests, according to local media reports. The demonstration, which attracted around 1,500 participants, was marred by confrontations with police and the torching of a police vehicle.

The protest, prompted by far-right groups demanding tougher asylum policies, took a violent turn that the city's mayor described as "unprecedented" and "unworthy of the Netherlands." The unrest extended to the headquarters of the center-left D66 political party, which was also targeted during the disturbances.

D66 leader Rob Jetten publicly condemned the violence, asserting that such actions by populist uprisings would not garner support across the country and were not reflective of Dutch values. His sentiments were met with criticism from Geert Wilders, leader of the far-right Party of Freedom, who accused Jetten of "selective indignation" and pointed out a lack of similar political outrage during other violent incidents in the Netherlands.

The situation has sparked a broader debate about political violence in the country. Frans Timmermans, a former EU Commissioner and current leader of the Labour Party in the Dutch House of Representatives, called for a serious discussion to establish clear boundaries against such actions.

Prime Minister Dick Schoof also weighed in, labeling the behavior at the protest as "shameless and unacceptable." He emphasized the need for the country's prosecution service to vigorously pursue those responsible to ensure they are held accountable.

This incident highlights a growing tension in the Netherlands over immigration policies and the increasing polarization surrounding this issue.