Video: Cop hurt in third violent anti-asylum protest in Loosdrecht in as many days
For the third night in a row, the riot police had to break up a violent anti-asylum protest in Loosdrecht. Protesters threw stones, fireworks, and full cans of soft drinks at the police, the municipality of Wijdemeren, which covers Loosdrecht, reported. At least one cop was injured.
A few hundred people gathered at the empty town hall in Loosdrecht to protest on Wednesday evening. According to the municipality, the atmosphere turned grim at around 8:30 p.m. and protesters started throwing things at the police.
The officer was injured in the process. The municipality did not elaborate on the severity of the injuries.
The mayor issued an emergency decree, and the riot police dispersed the protesters, making multiple arrests.
The riot police also broke up violent demonstrations at the town hall in Loosdrecht on Monday and Tuesday evening. Eight people were arrested on Tuesday.
The protesters are angry that the municipality gave the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) permission to open a temporary asylum shelter in the empty town hall. 110 asylum seekers can be accommodated in the town hall from early May until November.
Thirteen locals and business owners objected to the temporary shelter in court, NOS reported. On Wednesday, the judge ruled that the shelter can open, saying that humane reception for asylum seekers outweighs the interest of locals in having a say in the matter.
