The Hague to examine liability for losses after online calls for violence

The Hague’s deputy mayor wants to investigate whether people who called for looting and violence on social media can be made financially liable for losses suffered by local businesses. The calls preceded Saturday’s protests, when many city-centre shops closed and boarded up their windows as a precaution.

Richard de Mos, the city’s deputy mayor for the economy and city centre, said on Sunday that the damage appeared considerable. Shopkeepers reported losses of thousands of euros, mainly from lost sales after closing and fewer customers. Looting did not take place.

De Mos said it was a relief that the feared looting had been avoided, but argued that businesses should not have to barricade their shops because of online calls for violence. He has not announced any legal action; the city is to examine whether those responsible for the calls could be held liable.