Riot police intervene in anti-asylum protests in Houten & Uithoorn; At least 7 arrested

Protests surrounding the potential arrival of asylum shelters in Houten and Uithoorn devolved into riots on Tuesday evening. In both cases, protesters against plans for asylum shelters threw fireworks at counter-protesters and the police. The Prinsenvlag, a version of the Dutch flag used by the NSB during WWII and now used by the far-right, was also visible in both towns. Riot police intervened and arrested at least three people in Houten and four in Uithoorn, NOS reports.

Around 300 people showed up at the Houten town hall to protest against the municipality’s plans for an asylum shelter that can house 337 people on an industrial estate on the edge of the municipality. The protest eventually died down to around 100 participants.

The riot police intervened when the remaining protesters sought confrontation with around 30 counter-protesters demonstrating nearby. Some of the anti-asylum protesters threw fireworks and eggs at the counter protesters and the police. The riot police kept the two groups apart and arrested at least three people.

In Uithoorn, a few hundred anti-asylum protesters also gathered at the town hall, where the local government was discussing plans to shelter around 250 asylum seekers. The demonstration started out calm, but turned grim after a time. Protesters made their way into a residential area, and the riot police pursued them. At least four people were arrested.

At the town hall, anti-asylum demonstrators threw fireworks and eggs at a small group of counter-protesters. They also threw fireworks at the police.

Uithoorn mayor Pieter Heiliegers said he regretted that the demonstration devolved into riots. He said that the municipality and municipal council will not be swayed. “Threats, violence, or disruption of the democratic process are boundaries we will not accept,” Heiliegers said, according to RTL Nieuws. “A large majority of Uithoorn residents are involved and contributing their thoughts. That is the foundation for further development.”