Riots erupt in Wijk bij Duurstede over planned asylum emergency shelter

Protests against a temporary emergency accommodation centre for 50‑75 asylum seekers in Wijk bij Duurstede turned violent on the night of 5 June. Demonstrators broke windows, hurled fireworks and stones at the town hall, set firework devices inside the building and damaged cameras and traffic signs. Police deployed around 80 officers, including the mobile unit, dogs, horses and a helicopter, and later called in the military police (ME) to clear the area.

Mayor Petra Doornenbal said the unrest “has hit the heart of our democracy” and warned that “even if you think the bottom has been reached, this is not the lower limit.” Seven participants were arrested and remain in custody while investigations continue. Residents described the incident as the most serious violence they have witnessed in the town.