Seven arrested after riots over asylum shelter plan in Wijk bij Duurstede
Riots broke out late Friday night in Wijk bij Duurstede, Utrecht province, during a protest against a planned emergency asylum shelter, marking the second violent escalation in the town this month after earlier unrest on June 5. Seven people were arrested after fireworks, stones and vandalism targeted the town hall and police, RTV Utrecht reported.
The unrest followed a municipal decision to establish a temporary shelter for 50 to 75 asylum seekers at Sportpark Mariënhoeve, just outside the historic city center. Since the announcement, small groups of demonstrators had gathered almost daily outside the town hall.
Friday evening’s protest began peacefully, according to police, but escalated when “groups of rioters” appeared after the demonstration was winding down. Authorities said heavy fireworks were ignited and stones were thrown. A security camera was pulled down, and multiple windows at the town hall were smashed. The municipality said doors were also damaged and that rioters entered the building.
Police officers and vehicles were directly targeted. Reporters from RTV Utrecht saw police cars struck by fireworks, while stones and paving slabs were thrown at officers. The municipality said, “The police had to operate under very difficult circumstances.”
Around midnight, authorities significantly escalated their response. More than 80 officers were deployed, including riot police, to clear the area around the town hall. A police helicopter circled overhead as buses were diverted and at least 20 police vehicles arrived with sirens and flashing lights. An emergency order was issued for the area surrounding the building
Mayor Petra Doornenbal condemned the violence, saying, "Residents did not feel safe in their own homes, their immediate living environment had turned into a threatening and ominous place.”
She also said, "The heart of our democracy was struck by the attack on the town hall,” adding, “Even when you think the bottom has been reached, it turns out that the riot evening of Friday, June 5 was not the lower limit. I really have no words for this.”
She further noted that the violence affected the ability of municipal staff and council members to work safely, referencing recent unanimous council support for conditions for the temporary shelter.
