Refugee tent camp forbidden, Amsterdam says

Several failed asylum seekers evicted from the makeshift refuge, Vluchtgarage, began living in a tent camp in De Pijp, Amsterdam on Monday night to show their discontent with the municipality's lack of a permanent solution for their basic needs. Amsterdam Mayor Eberhard van der Laan is against the tent camp, saying it is prohibited by law to set up a tent and sleep in a public place, a city press release states. "Therefore, the mayor has just issued a directive to the group, based on the public rallies law, allowing demonstrations to 11 p.m., but that the placement of tents is forbidden," a statement from the city said. The statement also points out that public protest is "nearly sacred within the framework of the law." The decision was made considering the possible threat to public order and health risks associated with tent camps. If the group does not follow the instructions established by the municipality, police will take action and the tents will be confiscated. There are currently two bed, bath and bread facilities in Amsterdam, providing the basic care required by Europe for failed asylum seekers. At the moment, the two facilities can accommodate 135 refugees.