Hate Crime Database › Netherlands
Eritrean Community Riots and Arson at Opera Zalencentrum in The Hague
A severe public order disturbance erupted when rival groups of Eritreans clashed at the Opera Zalencentrum in The Hague on February 17, 2024, resulting in police cars being set on fire, widespread vandalism, and injuries to several officers.
Large-Scale Rioting and Arson by Rival Eritrean Factions
On February 17, 2024, violent clashes broke out at the Opera Zalencentrum (an events and conference venue, sometimes mistranslated in social media as an 'Opera House') on Fruitweg in The Hague. The unrest originated from an intra-community conflict when a gathering organized by Eritrean community associations, largely perceived as pro-government, was confronted by a mob of opponents to the Eritrean regime. The resulting violence caused over €700,000 in damages.
Rioters aggressively attacked responding law enforcement and firefighters, pelting them with large rocks, bicycles, branches, and traffic signs. The mob smashed the windows of the conference center and attempted to force their way inside. During the chaos, several police officers were injured, and rioters set fire to two police cars, a bus, and other vehicles, prompting the police to deploy tear gas to quell the unrest. In July 2024, a Dutch court convicted nine defendants in connection with the violence.
Video evidence
Official requests & responses
A transparent record of the requests we sent to police and other authorities about this incident, and the information we received back.
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Politie Eenheid Den Haag (The Hague Police Unit) Police Awaiting responseRef: BS-NL-2024-0217-HAGUE-RIOTRequested · 1 Nov 2026
Requesting confirmation of the total number of individuals ultimately convicted regarding the February 17, 2024 riots at the Opera Zalencentrum, and whether the Dutch authorities have implemented specific preventative security protocols for subsequent diaspora community gatherings.
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Opera Zalencentrum Affected business Awaiting responseRef: BS-NL-2024-0217-OPERA-BIZRequested · 1 Nov 2026
Requesting a statement regarding the finalized cost of structural repairs following the €700,000 in estimated damages caused during the February 2024 riots, and whether civil damages have been successfully recovered from the convicted perpetrators.