Flevoland anniversary letters in Urk vandalized with anti-asylum graffiti
The letters spelling “WIJ FLEVOLAND” in Urk were vandalized overnight Friday into Saturday, the province of Flevoland confirmed. The installation, unveiled Monday as part of the 40th-anniversary celebrations of Flevoland, was reportedly intended as a symbol of connectivity.
Images broadcast by Omroep Flevoland showed the letters rearranged to read “We full land” and covered with graffiti, including the phrases “defendNL” and “Asylum center, get rid of it,” messages often associated with protests against asylum seeker centers.
A provincial spokeswoman said the vandalism reflects local tensions over the possible allocation of temporary housing for 50 status holders at Westgat. She said, “We regret the damage very much. The letters were meant as a unifying action.”
The province reported the vandalism to authorities and will remove the letters immediately due to loose and damaged parts to prevent safety hazards. Officials will assess whether the letters can be repaired or must be replaced.
