Five Dutch asylum centers cancel open days amid violent protests
Five asylum seeker centers in the Netherlands—including one in Hoofddorp, two in Amsterdam, and two other unspecified locations—canceled planned open days this Saturday following a week of violent protests, authorities said.
According to NU.nl, a spokesperson for the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) confirmed the closures but did not name the other centers to avoid further unrest.
The police said the closures were made at the centers’ own initiative. Specific security threats were not disclosed, though other locations have increased security measures.
Despite the closures, 175 reception centers nationwide are still participating in the open day, coinciding with National Neighbors Day, allowing residents to meet staff and residents of the centers.
The closures follow several violent incidents this week. On Wednesday, a Quran-burning demonstration at a Hoofddorp center sparked a counter-protest in which several dozen people threw fireworks and stones at demonstrators and police, resulting in seven arrests.
On Thursday in Doetinchem, seven people were arrested during a protest against a new asylum center. Demonstrators waved Dutch flags and shouted slogans including "Get rid of the asylum center." Similar unrest occurred in other towns.
Caretaker Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned the violence as "unacceptable" and urged protesters to remain calm. Interior Minister Frank Rijkaart said municipalities must decide on asylum centers "freely, without violence or intimidation."
The week of unrest followed a large anti-immigration protest last Saturday at the Malieveld in The Hague, where demonstrators clashed with police. Thirty-seven people were arrested, and damage was reported at the Binnenhof and the D66 party office.
