The demonstration during the information evening about the possible arrival of an asylum seekers center in Uden went smoothly. On the square in front of the Kruisheren Chapel, where the information evening took place, around 150 people demonstrated. The area was declared a safety risk area, which allowed the police to search preventively. At least one person was arrested during the demonstration.
After almost all protesters had gone home, it became restless at the end of the evening. Young people who were left on the square after the demonstration started to start destruction. The crush barriers of the demonstration were pushed on the street and small fires were founded. The ME has intervened.
Back to the start of the evening. There are many crush barriers on Lieve Vrouwenplein. A demonstration profession has been set up. Many police are present around the square. Agents are busy searching young people who walk towards the square.
The previous meeting, where about three hundred people arrived exactly one week ago, got out of hand: various rioters came to disturb things. Heavy fireworks, stones and glass were thrown. The mobile unit (me) had to intervene and six people were arrested.
A young man is playing a shag on the square. “I was just searched completely. All my pockets had to be empty. They even looked in my bump shag. Last time people had fireworks with them and young people pocket knives. So good that attention is being paid now.”
“It is very sad,” says Mayor Hans van der Pas about all safety measures. “But it is necessary. Demonstrators try to disturb such a meeting, and then the conversation is gone.”
In the Crosier Chapel, while the demonstration is going outside, about 250 people are briefed about the asylum reception plans in the municipality of Maashorst. It is the second time that the municipality has had an information evening.
There will be three reception locations in Maashorst for at least the next five years. In Uden there will be an AZC for at least 300 asylum seekers. In addition, there is room for fled Ukrainians, status holders and their own residents who are urgently looking for a home. There will also be reception places in Schaijk and Zeeland.
“I have a strong feeling that a shit is being sold to us.”
Many people in the hall find the location in Uden totally unsuitable. The AZC comes alongside a sports park and along an important bicycle connection. “My wife and my teenage daughters have to go every day?” asks a man who says he is military. “It is crazy that I go to a war zone, but have to worry at home.”
There is also the feeling that the decision has already been taken. “I have the feeling that a shit is being sold to us,” says a man. “Why is this going to be a supported decision? This doesn’t feel right.” He gets applause from the room.
At the end of the evening, the square in front of the Kruisheren Chapel is already largely empty. The Maashorst city council meets the asylum plans on Thursday evening. A decision is not yet taken.