With the 2026 protest against racism and fascism coming up this Saturday in Amsterdam, here’s some up to date context about protest rights. 

The Netherlands often presents itself as a place where people can speak freely. In recent years, however, tougher police enforcement, broader surveillance, proposed restrictions (for example on face coverings), and pre-emptive crackdowns have become more common – even when protests are peaceful. 

While people in the Netherlands have the right to protest, many are uncertain what that right includes. They hear about police orders, route restrictions, and demonstrations being moved or stopped, and are understandably left wondering what’s allowed.

Gathering information from some expert sources, we’ve prepared this up-to-date outline so you can go to a protest feeling prepared. 

Protesting is about coming together in public to express a view, raise concerns, or call for change. Protest isn’t just about making noise or being seen. A fundamental part of democracy, it’s how communities challenge unfair policies, and how workers, migrants, queer people, BIPOC communities, climate activists, and many others make themselves heard. Protest is one of the few tools available to those who are ignored or pushed to the margins.

The Wet openbare manifestaties regulates freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, and the right to protest in the Netherlands, This act makes clear that you do not need a permit to demonstrate. You’re only requested to inform the municipality if organizing a protest. In theory, this makes organizing a demonstration accessible to all, however, much can depend on the decisions of individual mayors and the police. 

Authorities can sometimes impose restrictions for reasons such as public order or safety. These terms are often loosely defined, making it easier for them to limit or restrict people who want to speak out. As a result, community groups and human rights organizations have raised concerns, particularly as arrests are on the increase and in recent years there are more active attempts to stop protests before they even begin.

Understanding your rights makes it easier to take part in a protest with confidence. It also helps you recognize when authorities impose limits that may not be justified. In the sections that follow, we’ll review the legal protections currently in place, cover what the police are allowed to do, and outline the steps you can take if your rights are challenged during a demonstration.

Laws and regulations on protesting in the Netherlands

For a closer look, the Wet openbare manifestaties, or Public Demonstrations Act, is the Dutch law outlining rights to protest and how protests may proceed, including:

  • No permission or permit is needed for a protest, although organized protests must be announced to the municipality (the gemeente) at least 48 hours in advance by the organizer (not including holidays or weekends). Solo protests do not need to be announced. If the protest is happening on Dam Square or is a walking parade, you must notify them at least 72 hours in advance
  • You can contact the gemeente in Amsterdam about this and get some further details via the following website
  • Only the Mayor has the power to forbid or place restrictions on a protest. Restrictions may only be imposed in the interests of public health, public order, or road safety. They may not be imposed on the freedom to protest. If the organization fails to notify the gemeente on time, this cannot be the only reason a protest is ended by the mayor
  • Extra restrictions may be imposed regarding specific buildings or places, to prevent damage to them
  • You may not prevent or interfere with the functioning of the International Court of Justice, embassies, and consulates
  • Specific restrictions placed by the mayor, including buildings which you may not interfere with will be announced in the Dutch Official Gazette(Paragraph IV Article 9, Paragraph VI Article VIII)

What are your rights during a protest?

It’s important to know your personal rights beforehand in case of unfair or unlawful treatment, and to be well aware of what authorities are allowed to demand from you. Here is a breakdown of regulations in place, and some of your individual rights during a protest.

  • The police are entitled to ask the organizer to see the notification form that should have been submitted about the protest however, only the mayor can order a protest dispersal
  • No demonstration may be dispersed solely because of a failure to announce it
  • The government must protect protesters from hostile audiences
  • You may contact the police during the demonstration if there are problems or threats 
  • Imprisonment of maximum 2 months or a fine may be given to those who continue to protest despite a ban issued by the mayor or continue restricted actions 
  • The police are allowed to ask to see identity papers if this is necessary for security reasons, and you are required to present one upon request. If you do not, you may be fined 
  • Protestors may not use violence
  • You have the right to remain silent when interacting with the police. You are not obligated to answer questions beyond providing your identification if requested
  • Law enforcement officers in the Netherlands must treat individuals with respect and fairness. Any mistreatment or abuse should be reported
  • The police can stop and search you if they havereasonable suspicion that you are involved in criminal activity or carrying prohibited items. This reasonable suspicion must be based on objective factors. If you are stopped and searched, you have the right to know the reason for the search. You can also ask for the name and badge number of the officer conducting the search 
  • Police officers can use force only as a last resort, and the force used must be no more than is necessary
  • IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER! Not all arrests necessarily lead to charges, and not all charges lead to a conviction. This is decided in court, and will need sufficient evidence

Disagree with a ban or have a complaint about government or police actions? Here are some organizations and lawyers you can contact

Nationale Ombudsman Tel: 0800 33 55 555

Offers advice and helps you with complaints about the actions of government organizations. 

Extinction Rebellion

Focuses on climate activism. In the link, they outline legal information about protesting in the Netherlands, and list resources where you can get legal help and training.

Recommended lawyers/legal contacts

  • Amsterdam: Jebbink-Soeteman Advocaten
  • Immigration law: Martijn Strooij (Amsterdam-based)
  • Arnhem: Arnout Schadd, Karianne Bal
  • Deventer: Margrete van der Steeg
  • Groningen: Advocatenkantoor Swart
  • The Hague: Ineke van den Brule, Juanita van Lunen
  • Maastricht:
  • Rotterdam: Diederick van Rinsum
  • Sittard: Rob Schoonbrood
  • Utrecht: Robert Zilver

Other resources

PILP-de juridische bondgenoot

PILP serves as legal advisor to various parties working for human rights. They help with conducting legal proceedings, conducting legal research, and also have information and updates on their website about recent protests.

The Wet openbare manifestaties

A website describing, in detailed legal terms, the laws that regulate freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, and the right to protest in the Netherlands.

Amsterdam Gemeente protest notification form

A municipal link for announcing protests in Amsterdam.

Overheid NL

On this website you can search for official announcements made in the Dutch Official Gazette about any new restrictions placed on protests, as well as other official government announcements. 

Nationale Ombudsman: protest rights

A flyer further outlining protest rights.

National Ombudsman: full information regarding protesting

Large range of practical information and folders about protesting, your rights, and what to do if you are mistreated while protesting in the Netherlands. 

Amnesty International

Amnesty International campaigns for equal rights globally, including protest rights. This link is an overview on why people protest, why it is important, your rights during a protest, and information on ongoing lawsuits.

Index of sources used