The Dutch police announced on Wednesday that during the 2025 New Year's Eve celebrations, multiple riots occurred nationwide, with at least 200 people arrested for rioting, vandalism, violence, drunkenness, and other behaviors.
According to police reports, on New Year's Eve, multiple riots erupted in major cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Groningen, involving arson, riots, and attacks on emergency services personnel. Police and emergency workers in some areas were attacked and injured by rioters.
Netherlands National Police Chief Knol stated that it is completely unacceptable for police officers and emergency workers dedicated to ensuring the safety of New Year celebrations to become targets of attacks by rioters.
Dutch Minister of Justice and Security Van der Pere also issued a statement condemning the violent actions on New Year's Eve and stated that every effort would be made to punish the perpetrators.
Additionally, on New Year's Eve, a 14-year-old boy in Rotterdam was tragically killed when a heavy firework exploded prematurely. Other regions in the Netherlands also reported several serious injury incidents due to fireworks.
Meanwhile, new year celebrations in various parts of Germany also turned into conflicts, with police officers attacked.
In the capital Berlin, multiple disturbances occurred, leading to clashes with the police. At least 30 police officers and 1 firefighter were injured, and 400 people were arrested for allegedly assaulting police officers. In Hamburg and Leipzig, individuals attacked police officers using fireworks and debris. In Munich, 200 to 300 people attacked police officers amidst the riots, suspected to be related to left-wing groups.
The German Interior Ministry condemned the violence and emphasized that the perpetrators would be prosecuted with the utmost severity.