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A pro-cannabis activist threw himself from a balcony with a rope around his neck inside the Dutch parliament in an apparent suicide attempt while MPs were in session.

Hans Kamperman had written on Facebook he had to 'shake the politicians awake' regarding forthcoming discussions on the laws surrounding cannabis.

De Telegraaf newspaper quoted eyewitnesses as saying Kamperman, 65, had been pacing about in an agitated state in the parliamentary building at The Hague before tying something to a railing and then jumping off.

A video shows a politician speaking in the House of Representatives before screams and gasps are heard as Kamperman falls from the balcony.

Dutch media report he has been taken to hospital and his condition is not known.

(Image: CEN) (Image: www.alamy.com)

One witness said: "He had been camping in front of the House of Representatives for four weeks now, to draw attention to the legalization of soft drugs."

Kamperman wrote on Facebook: "Forgive me this act, I have to do this to shake up politics. I can't reach them with my message.

"Cannabis is criminalised while it can save the earth and be a medicine for many people. I'm doing this for earth, the people."

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Kamperman has been a public figure regarding cannabis laws after being prosecuted for having 5 cannabis plants in his garden.

Ahead of camping outside parliament he said: "It is not a demonstration but a one-man action where I sit at the entrance of the House of Representatives and address politicians on the bizarre soft drugs policy of the government.

"I will not stop this action until there is a change in this bizarre policy."

(Image: Alamy Stock Photo) (Image: CEN)

He wants the growing of cannabis to be made legal.

The incident on Thursday happened when VVD Member of Parliament Arno Rutte spoke.

As he is speaking there is thud, gaps and screams as the shocked MP puts his hand to his mouth before shouting for help.

Cries of "hold him!", "push him upwards!" and "fast!" are heard as MPs, parliament employees and visitors try to save the man's life.

One female MP told how she held the man up with a fellow MP to prevent him from breaking his neck.

"It was terrible," said SP member Van Nispen, who did not want to talk about the incident.

Hague police spokeswoman Hilda Vijverberg said there was no indication that Thursday's incident was an attack.

Photos on social media showed the man receiving first aid on a lawmaker's desk and later being carried out of parliament on a stretcher.

The parliamentary session has been suspended. Police officers were seen investigating the plenary hall and public balcony.

In the Netherlands, cannabis and hallucinogenic mushrooms are tolerated by the authorities in small quantities for personal use even though they are officially forbidden by law.

The country's infamous "coffee shops" are only allowed to sell this type of substance and no more than five grams of cannabis per person per day, and they are strictly governed by local laws.

If you are feeling troubled you can call the Samaritans' 24-hour confidential helpline on 116 123.