Researchers say there is no need to change the law on the right to protest in the Netherlands, despite political concerns about demonstrations erupting into violence.

The study, commissioned by the government’s WODC research centre, contradicts calls in parliament to tighten the rules on organising demonstrations. According to sources quoted by NOS, the cabinet will nevertheless discuss a nationwide ban on face coverings at protests on Friday.

Researcher Berend Roorda said politicians often have a distorted picture of how demonstrations unfold. “The lion’s share of protests go perfectly well,” he said. Some 97% pose no risk to public order, and only a tiny fraction involve more than 10 incidents, he said.

Roorda said protests mainly make headlines when they turn chaotic, creating a skewed image about how many problems there are.

Officials interviewed for the study, including mayors, prosecutors and police, also saw no need for a specific ban on face coverings, broadcaster NOS said. They say local measures already provide sufficient scope from them to act when necessary.

MPs who back a ban on face coverings have pointed to tougher approaches abroad such as in France and Britain. However, the report’s authors said that  heavy-handed action can actually discourage peaceful protest and fuel resentment that may later manifest in more violent ways.

In September, the Dutch human rights monitor College voor de Rechten van de Mens warned that it is becoming increasingly difficult for campaign groups and monitoring bodies to criticise the government in the Netherlands.

In its annual report, the College said the government is putting forward laws that could restrict the right to demonstrate and reducing opportunities for dialogue during consultations on new legislation.

The concerns include draft legislation with vague rules that give mayors broad powers to curb freedoms, and the use of stigmatising language in political debate.