Dozens of refugees brawl in asylum center: report

A tense atmospheres that is apparently the norm in the asylum center in Budel-Dorplein sparked a massive brawl last week.

Broadcast station Omroep Brabant reported today that no less than 35 people were involved in the fight; one person apparently drew a knife. He was arrested later by police. There were no serious injuries.

The fight that resulted from an argument between Eritreans and Syrians was not a one off incident, the reports say. The Africans are being accused of drinking too much and being too rowdy late at night, which angers the Syrians. Sources report almost daily fights and there are calls for action by the Central Institute for Housing Asylum Seekers COA. Apparently there was also unrest at the center in Overloon last week, and last Saturday again in Budel.

These reports are in contrast to statements Saturday night by State Secretary of Justice Fred Teeven about Budel. Teeven, guest in the TV program 'Met Het Oog Op Morgen', said that putting Arabs and Africans in a joint center might not be a good idea, but he was nonetheless positive about Budel-Dorplein.

“The number of asylum seekers is increasing and when you consider that you cannot be choosy about who you place where,” the State Secretary said.