Riot police break up violent anti-asylum protest in Uden; five arrested
A municipal information meeting in Uden regarding the establishment of three new asylum reception centers ended in violence Tuesday night, as protesters clashed with police outside the venue, according to NOS. Riot police dispersed the crowd after demonstrators threw bottles and stones, launched fireworks, and marched with torches. Five men were arrested.
While the indoor session remained calm, tensions rose outside. Around 300 people had gathered near the chapel. Initially, the protest was peaceful. But by 9 p.m., the situation deteriorated. Demonstrators began throwing stones and glass bottles, lighting heavy fireworks, and brandishing torches. Riot police units arrived in multiple buses, and shortly after, cleared the square in front of the building.
The meeting, held in the Kruisherenkapel, was organized by the municipality of Maashorst to inform residents about three planned asylum centers in Uden, Schaijk, and Zeeland. Combined, the centers would provide space for approximately 750 asylum seekers. Residents living near the proposed locations were invited to attend.
Police confirmed five arrests. Three men from Bergeijk, Veghel, and Uden were taken into custody on suspicion of lighting fireworks and throwing glass. Two additional men from Uden were arrested for allegedly throwing stones at officers and using pepper spray on police.
The incident in Uden follows a string of escalating protests in Noord-Brabant. In Best, demonstrators attempted to force their way into a sports hall last week during a similar municipal information session. The mayor of Best was also threatened. Weeks earlier, in Berlicum, unrest broke out when protesters threw eggs at the town hall.
Mounting demonstrations have already influenced local decisions. In several municipalities, councils abandoned plans to host asylum centers after residents took to the streets. The Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG) sees a direct connection between national asylum policy and the surge in protests. “Since the spreidingswet came under fire, the protests have returned,” said Boumans, mayor of Doetinchem and chair of the VNG’s advisory committee on asylum and migration.
