Amsterdam [Netherlands], February 19: Violent clashes in The Hague between supporters and opponents of Eritrea's authoritarian government resulted in injury to six police officers and considerable damage to property, police in the Dutch city reported on Sunday.
Police and emergency service staff were pelted with stones and fireworks as the opposing groups clashed at an events centre in the city on Saturday evening.
Thirteen men between the ages of 19 and 36 were arrested, police said. Two police vehicles and a coach were completely burnt out, and other vehicles seriously damaged. The centre, where the pro-government group had organized a gathering, was also damaged. Participants in the gathering were affected by the heat and smoke.
Riot police used tear gas to quell the riot that erupted when a group opposed to the government of Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki arrived. The Hague Mayor Jan van Zanen condemned the violence and imposed a state of emergency on the area. (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune
