Statements aimed against the asylum policy of the municipality of Twenterand have been found at various locations in Vroomshoop and Den Ham. Flags with slogans have also been found in several places.
The left-behind banners contain the controversial VOC logo, a historical symbol that is often used by far-right groups. The racist slogan ‘White Power’ has also been graffitied on walls in public spaces.
Flags have been hung and slogans left in various places. Texts such as ‘Vol is vol’ have been found at the station, the municipal yard on the industrial estate and a bus shelter in Vroomshoop, among others. These expressions can also be found at several roundabouts in Den Ham.
Unrest about asylum policy and dispersal law
The action coincides with broader unrest in the municipality. In a short time there have been two demonstrations against the dispersal law in the municipality of Twenterand. Previously, posters appeared in Twenterand and Almelo with texts such as ‘distribution law = coercive law’.
An earlier demonstration in Vriezenveen ended downright grim when there were deafening bangs and fireworks were thrown at the police. The mobile unit (ME) had to intervene violently at the time, cleared the square and became involved in a cat-and-mouse game in the surrounding streets.
There were also several at last week’s meeting on Manitobaplein far-right symbols to see. For example, the organization had hung a Prince’s flag (orange-white-blue) and a Celtic cross had been spray-painted on a cloth.
Looking for witnesses and cleaning up
The police have started an investigation following the banners, flags and graffiti found in Vroomshoop and Den Ham. They call on people who have seen something or have information about the perpetrators to come forward.
A cleaning service has been called in to remove the applied texts and graffiti and to immediately remove the hung flags.
It is currently unknown who is responsible for this action, or which group is behind it.
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