On the evening of April 11, 2025, police in The Hague conducted a significant raid at the café Kleurrijke Vrienden, located on the corner of Van Ostadestraat and Vaillantlaan. The operation began shortly after 8:00 PM and continued late into the night, although the specific reason for the raid remains unclear.
Reports indicate that law enforcement officials arrived in large numbers, sealing off the café and its surrounding area with black fences. Some officers were masked and equipped with bulletproof vests, suggesting a heightened level of security and seriousness regarding the operation. Witnesses described a tense atmosphere as several patrons were ordered to sit with their hands above their heads, both inside the café and outside on the terrace.
Images from the scene show individuals complying with police orders, highlighting the dramatic nature of the event. At least one person was arrested during the operation, although details about the individual's identity or the charges they may face have not been disclosed.
The Vaillantlaan was temporarily closed to facilitate the police action, with black screens erected to obscure the view of the ongoing investigation. This has led to speculation among locals about the nature of the police operation, as officials have yet to provide an official statement clarifying the situation.
According to a police spokesperson, the raid is part of a larger, ongoing investigation, although specifics about the investigation have not been made public. The spokesperson was unable to confirm whether the café's visitors were involved in the inquiry or if they were merely bystanders caught in the police action.
Interestingly, this is not the first time café Kleurrijke Vrienden has been in the news for troubling reasons. In the fall of 2023, the establishment was targeted in three separate attacks, which included two instances where explosives were detonated and a window was smashed with a claw hammer. These earlier incidents raised concerns about safety and security in the area, prompting increased scrutiny of the café.
As the police investigation unfolds, the community is left wondering about the implications of this latest operation. The café, which has become a focal point for both social gatherings and, unfortunately, violence, now faces an uncertain future. Residents and patrons alike are eager for clarity regarding the reasons behind the police presence and the safety measures being implemented.
For now, the café remains closed, with the police continuing their investigation. The lack of immediate information from the authorities has left many in the area anxious, as they seek to understand the events that transpired on that fateful Friday evening.
As the situation develops, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges that establishments like Kleurrijke Vrienden face in maintaining a safe environment for their patrons. The community's response to this event will likely shape the narrative surrounding the café and its role within the Schilderwijk neighborhood.
In conclusion, while the police have not yet released comprehensive details about the raid, the implications of their actions are already being felt throughout the community. With a history of violence and now a police operation that has captured the attention of the public, café Kleurrijke Vrienden finds itself at a crossroads, and its future remains uncertain.
