Schiedam enforces security measures ahead of pro- and anti-asylum center demonstrations

The municipality of Schiedam is implementing extra security measures ahead of two planned demonstrations Saturday concerning the opening of a new asylum seekers center. According to AD, authorities will issue an emergency order and relocate a counter-demonstration to prevent clashes.

The protest against the asylum center is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. at the Stadserf and has been formally registered with the mayor, the municipality said.

“We are taking measures for both demonstrations to ensure they proceed safely and in an orderly manner,” the municipality said in a statement.

Authorities also reported signals of an unannounced demonstration planned for Saturday afternoon. Social media posts called for a counter-protest against racism at 12:45 p.m., at the same location as the asylum center protest. The municipality has redirected this counter-demonstration to a different location, at ‘t Land van Belofte, to avoid conflicts.