In the Dutch city of Uden, a protest against the opening of new asylum centers escalated into unrest. An informational meeting organized by the Maashorst municipality ended with police intervention and several arrests, according to NOS.
Local authorities presented plans to residents of Uden, Schaijk, and Zeeland for the establishment of three new reception centers, which would accommodate approximately 750 asylum seekers. The meeting initially proceeded peacefully, but tensions rose in the evening. Around 300 demonstrators gathered outside the venue and began throwing stones and bottles, launching fireworks, and using flares.
At around 9:00 PM, special police units arrived and cleared the square in front of the chapel. Five individuals were arrested during the operation. According to police, three men are suspected of setting off fireworks and causing property damage, while two others allegedly attacked officers using stones and pepper spray.
This incident is not the first of its kind in the North Brabant province. In recent weeks, similar protests have taken place in the towns of Best—where demonstrators attempted to storm a gym hosting a similar meeting—and Berlicum, where the town hall was pelted with eggs. In several cases, local councils decided to abandon plans for asylum centers under public pressure.
The migration situation in the country remains tense. In Amsterdam, authorities have already begun turning away Ukrainian refugees due to a shortage of available housing.
