Den Bosch authorities condemn Defend United intervention at local fair

Authorities in Den Bosch have criticized an “intimidating” intervention by members of the group Defend United during a local fair. The group claimed they were addressing disturbances caused by a group of Syrian youths, including allegations of harassment.

However, the municipality and police stated that the youths were not causing problems and that the group’s actions actually made the situation more dangerous. To prevent escalation, police escorted the youths out of the city center for their own safety. Officials emphasized that Defend United has no role in maintaining public order and rejected any notion that law enforcement supported their actions.

Defend United, which originated following reports of disturbances by Syrian youths in Den Bosch last year, has since expanded into various groups across the country, often protesting the establishment of asylum seeker centers.