Protesters threw rocks, glass at cops during anti-asylum protest in Zuid-Holland town
The riot police had to intervene in a demonstration against plans for an asylum shelter in the Zuid-Holland town of Bleskensgraaf on Tuesday evening. Protesters threw glass and stones at police officers and set off fireworks. No one was arrested, and no injuries were reported, a police spokesperson told RTL Nieuws.
The protesters gathered in the town of Nieuw-Lekkerland. From there, a procession of around 150 cars drove to Bleskensgraaf, where the municipal council was meeting to discuss opening an asylum seekers’ center.
During the meeting, protesters continually set off fireworks outside, and groups tried to force their way into the building. The protesters carried Dutch flags and banners with slogans against the asylum shelter.
Mayor Theo Segers of Molenlanden, the municipality that covers Bleskensgraaf, briefly interrupted the meeting and asked the protesters to leave. Ultimately, the riot police had to break up the protest and order demonstrators to leave the area.
Under the Asylum Distribution Law, which obliges municipalities to take in a fair share of asylum seekers, the municipality of Molenlanden has to house approximately 250 asylum seekers. The municipality is exploring four suitable locations. Two weeks ago, protesters also demonstrated against a shelter in Molenlanden.
