Harskamp asylum center to be closed during Saturday protests

The asylum shelter at the Harskamp army camp in Ede, Gelderland, will not be open on Saturday due to two demonstrations planned in the area. The Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) said it could not guarantee the safety of residents and employees, NRC reports.

Far-right group Dutch People's Union (NVU) will be protesting against "chancers" at the barracks on Saturday. Anti-fascist group AFA will hold a counter-protest at the same time. The COA worries that things will get out of hand.

The COA sent a letter to residents informing them that the barracks will be on lockdown as a precautionary measure. This means that residents won't be able to leave, and no visitors will be allowed at the shelter.

The agency takes extra precautions after a similar protest at the asylum shelter in Ede got out of hand, including protesters setting tires on fire and chanting slogans like "own people first." Politicians condemned the protest, calling it "heartless" and "terrible."