Riot police intervene in asylum seeker shelter riots in Wijk bij Duurstede; police attacked, town hall damaged

Rioters caused extensive damage to the town hall in Wijk bij Duurstede and attacked police with heavy fireworks and paving stones on Friday evening. The unrest is connected to the planned arrival of emergency shelter for 50 to 75 asylum seekers at a local sports park.

Following the issuance of an emergency order and the deployment of the Mobile Unit, seven rioters were arrested, according to a spokesperson for the municipality and the police. Acting mayor Petra Doornenbal stated that "democracy has been struck at its heart." This follows similar vandalism the previous Friday, which Doornenbal had hoped was the "bottom." The municipal council had unanimously supported the temporary shelter.

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de democratie in het hart is geraakt

The mayor emphasized the significant impact of the latest unrest on residents, council members, and town hall staff. "Residents did not feel safe in their own homes; their immediate living environment had turned into a threatening and ominous place," she said. "But for council members and municipal employees, it's not just the town hall that was attacked, but also their sense of being able to do their work safely here."

Police indicated that rioters from other parts of the Netherlands may have been involved, as members of Defend groups were seen in the area. However, due to face coverings, it was impossible to confirm their participation. Most windows of the town hall were shattered, and fire damage occurred due to fireworks. Three cameras and traffic signs were also destroyed. The seven arrested individuals remained in custody on Saturday morning, facing charges including violation of the emergency order and public violence. No officers were injured.

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Omwonenden voelden zich niet veilig in hun eigen huis, hun directe woonomgeving was veranderd in een dreigende en onheilspellende plek.