How far does the right to protest go?
In the media image: Ari Dunar on Unsplash
Demonstrations are allowed to ruffle feathers within certain limits. So, how do you protect the right to protest while safeguarding public order and safety? Laura Hanrath, PhD candidate in constitutional and administrative law, discussed the question in the ‘Nederlands Dagblad’.
Demonstrations in the Netherlands usually take place without major incidents occurring, according to a 2025 report published by the Inspectorate of Justice and Security. Guaranteeing safety, however, is not always possible. This gives rise to debate on when government authorities should intervene. On the other hand, these same authorities must also make room for opinions that are less popular, could be seen as shocking, offensive or unacceptable. However, that is not to say everything is permitted. Dangerous situations, violence and vandalism can be highly disruptive to society and can justify intervention by the authorities. This was the case recently in the Netherlands when farmers blocked a motorway, an action that is a criminal offence because it endangers road safety.
‘Protesting should not become too boring or too tame. It is meant to ruffle feathers. That is why the right to demonstrate is protected. The idea is that you’re allowed to cause a degree of disruption – within certain limits – to get your message across. But exactly where those limits lie is a difficult question,’ Hanrath says.
More information?
Read the full article in Nederlands Dagblad (€, in Dutch)