Refugee crisis: Dutch meeting on building asylum seeker centre abandoned after rioting breaks out
Police fire warning shots after meeting in Geldermalsen was disrupted by rowdy protesters who massed outside
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Dutch municipality's meeting to discuss building a centre for asylum seekers has been abandoned amid rioting by opponents of the plan.
The meeting in Geldermalsen, 70 kilometers (45 miles) southeast of Amsterdam, was called to discuss the municipality's support for establishing a centre for 1,500 asylum seekers, but was disrupted by rowdy protesters who massed outside.
Dutch media reported that riot police fired warning shots to disperse the crowd.
Local mayor Miranda de Vries tweeted that everybody in the meeting hall was safe, adding that she was "through and through sad."
Thousands of migrants have entered the Netherlands this year as part of the massive influx arriving in Europe.
Their arrival has caused tensions between hard-line opponents and those who are welcoming to the new arrivals.
Associated Press
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments