Pig legs hung at planned asylum site after chaotic protest in Berlicum
Tensions over a planned asylum seekers’ center (AZC) in Sint-Michielsgestel escalated overnight as pig legs were discovered hanging on the fence of the proposed site in Berlicum, as reported by Omroep Brabant. The act, found Friday morning, followed a night of vandalism, arson, and a chaotic protest against the plan to house 240 to 270 refugees. Municipal workers faced an extensive cleanup effort, with large amounts of debris still remaining even after hours of work.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the municipality building Thursday evening, seizing the opportunity to voice their opposition despite the AZC not being on the council meeting agenda. The protest quickly turned destructive—dozens of eggs were thrown at the building, banners were hung, and fireworks were set off. Later that night, a fire was started at the planned asylum center site, and pig legs were placed on the fence along Runweg.
Chantal Verhagen, spokesperson for protest group "Nee tegen AZC," denied any involvement in the vandalism. “That must have been an individual,” she said. “We must not judge each other—we need to stand together in this protest.”
Despite the destruction, Verhagen insisted the protest remained largely peaceful. “Look at it this way: 299 people were not arrested. Those smoke bombs make it look intense, but the protest was calm. Luckily, nothing was destroyed.”
Police arrested a 32-year-old man from Sint-Michielsgestel for attempting to set off heavy fireworks. Authorities said most demonstrators were local residents rather than outside agitators.
Concerns over the asylum center remain high among residents. A local woman walking her dogs near the site expressed fear for her safety. “I’m proud of our village,” she said, adding that she plans to install security cameras at her rental home.
Not all opposition groups supported the protest’s escalation. The organization "Natuur zegt nee tegen AZC" (Nature says no to AZC) condemned the vandalism. “The destruction and disorder at the protest stand in direct opposition to the values our committee upholds,” the group stated. While they oppose the AZC’s location in the Aa-Dal nature area, they rejected violent actions.
Deputy Mayor Peter Raaijmakers also strongly condemned the destruction. “Protesting and expressing opinions is a fundamental right, but it is never acceptable to use those rights to commit vandalism, hang pig legs on a fence, attack fellow villagers with differing views, or issue threats. That is where we draw the line, and I ask all residents to do the same.” He said the municipality will engage with residents to address concerns. Another residents’ meeting is reportedly scheduled for April 2.
By Friday morning, municipal workers faced a major cleanup operation. The town square was littered with fireworks debris, eggshells, and trash. Joep van Esch, leading the cleanup crew, described the scale of the task to Omroep Brabant. “We got the call last night and started early this morning with high-pressure washers. There are so many eggs—we’ll be at this all day. We’ve never seen anything like it.”
Just weeks ago, the team had completed a routine spring cleaning of the municipality building. “We thought we were done, but clearly not. We’re starting all over again.”
The cleanup may take longer than expected. Workers need a telescopic lift to clean the highest windows, but the equipment is not immediately available, meaning the process could stretch into next week.
Meanwhile, municipal crews deployed street sweepers and leaf blowers to clear the remaining debris. A receptionist at the municipal office, speaking anonymously, noted the ongoing cycle of protests and cleanup. “As long as this gets attention, they’ll keep doing it.”
