Mass arrests reported as riots mar Dutch student protests

By IRNA,

Berlin : Riots overshadowed Dutch student protests in The Hague on Friday, leading to the arrest of scores of demonstrators, according to Dutch media reports.


Support TwoCircles

Baton-wielding police clashed with protesters after being pelted with eggs and junk near the Dutch parliament and the residence of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

Mounted police tried to disperse the violent demonstrators.

There were no immediate reports of any injuries.

Thousands of Dutch students joined hundreds of professors in The Hague to protest earlier in the day against cuts to university budgets and tuition hikes, planned by the government as part of its multi-billion euro austerity package.

Around 15,000 students gathered in city center amid a massive police presence to voice opposition the government move as many universities had canceled classes.

Under the new Dutch government plan, students who take more than two additional years to finish their degree will have to pay an extra euro 3,000 per year in fees and so will their university or college.
Universities argue this would result in the loss of 7,000 jobs this year.

SUPPORT TWOCIRCLES HELP SUPPORT INDEPENDENT AND NON-PROFIT MEDIA. DONATE HERE