Significant damage was caused to the town hall of Wijdemeren in Loosdrecht on Monday evening, the local newspaper reported The Gooi and Eemlander. Windows and doors were smashed, including paving stones and concrete blocks, fences were kicked over and a traffic sign was thrown through a window. According to the ANP news agency, one person has been arrested.
Last week, protests took place in Loosdrecht for several days against the arrival of a temporary asylum center in the town hall. The building is partly vacant due to an upcoming merger with neighboring Hilversum. National anti-azc groups also joined the demonstrations.
For three days in a row, the protest got out of hand and the mobile unit had to intervene. According to the police, officers were pelted with eggs, heavy fireworks and full soda cans. Several people were arrested. A man from Hilversum was given 100 hours of community service for throwing a flaming torch.
Fewer asylum seekers
Originally, the first asylum seekers were expected to arrive in Loosdrecht last week. A judge gave the green light for this and ruled that the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) may receive 110 people there for a maximum of six months.
After days of protests, the municipality decided to postpone the start date until May 6 at the earliest and to reduce the number of asylum seekers to be received to 70. According to the municipal council, this is “better suited to the local situation”.
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Three days of violent protest against the arrival of an asylum seekers’ center: why is the resistance in Loosdrecht so great?
