The Hague, September 7 (RHC)-- Thousands of people have staged a demonstration in The Hague in protest at an official visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the Netherlands, demanding that he is brought to justice for his crimes.

On Tuesday, the protesters carried Netanyahu's photos marked out with X's and signs that read "Bring Bibi Netanyahu to International Criminal Court," as the Israeli leader arrived in the Netherlands and met with senior Dutch officials.   Chants such as "Free, Free Palestine; Boycott, Boycott Israel" could also be heard during the demonstration.

Some of the protesters also criticized local authorities for attempting to cancel the anti-Netanyahu gathering.  The rally was originally planned to be staged outside the Dutch parliament building in The Hague downtown, but authorities did not allow the protesters to gather there.

The demonstration came a day after former Dutch prime minister Dries Van Agt reacted angrily to Netanyahu's two-day visit to the Netherland, calling on government officials to "send him right away to the International Criminal Court."