“Asshole” arsonists in refugee debate will be dealt with says GroenLinks leader

GroenLinks leader Jesse Klaver thinks that the "assholes" who threaten councilors should be dealt with harshly. He expressed this sentiment to broadcaster NOS after GroenLinks faction leader in Wormerland Harold Halewijn's cars were set on fire in the early hours of Tuesday morning. On Twitter Klaver states that he is extremely shocked by the news and is concerned about the social climate. He has spoken with Halewijn about the incident. The municipality of Wormerland is holding a information meeting on Tuesday night regarding the possibilities of sheltering asylum seekers and residency permit holders in the municipality. Halewijn believes that the "attack" on him is related to this discussion. "It is very suspicious that this should happen today, while we have this meeting tonight. I can not explain another connection", he said to RTL Nieuws. Klaver told NOS that he understands why Halewijn used the word attack, but stressed that the background of the incident still hast to be investigation. The GroenLinks leader believes that the climate surrounding the shelter of refugees is becoming ever harsher. "Every week it seems to be getting worse", he said, adding that despite this, Prime Minister Mar Rutte should continue to say that the Netherlands is taking in refugees. "All councilors should be safe and they should be able to say what they stand for, without having to fear for their lives or for their belongings." The Wormerland municipality has announced that Tuesday nights meeting will continue as planned, though in a larger location and with extra security. Minister Ronald Plasterk of Home Affairs has spoken to Mayor Peter Tange and he approves the decision to continue with the meeting. "It is important that the democratic government not let itself be intimidated." he said to RTL.