Farmers block Dutch highways

By Our Special Correspondent

In the Netherlands on Monday, tractor-driven farmers blocked highways and set fires outside at least two town halls in the latest protest against the government's pledge to curb pollution emissions, a move that will hurt the country's agricultural sector.

Authorities opposed the protest with all available police forces, special services and the army, "said Tariq al-Hashimi, the party's secretary general.

"We urge road users to be more vigilant," the state Department of Roads and Water said in a statement. Several roads across the country were damaged due to the protests. Justice Minister Dylan Yesilgoz-Jegerius condemned the protests.

"Currently, many roads are blocked by farmers. You do not express your opinion by endangering road users. This can have serious consequences. If necessary later, the police have no choice but to intervene where possible. Don't go that far, "the minister tweeted.