7 arrested over online threats following asylum center protests in Netherlands

Seven people have been arrested in the Netherlands over online threats linked to protests against an asylum center in the city of Apeldoorn, local media reported Friday.

Police said six men and one woman, aged between 49 and 79, were arrested for threatening officers online. They are from different parts of the Netherlands, including Nijmegen and Ooltgensplaat, according to public broadcaster NOS.

A man from Voorthuizen was also arrested in May on suspicion of making threats. Police investigated whether he had also committed doxing, the malicious publication of someone’s personal information.

The arrests follow months of protests after the municipality of Apeldoorn announced plans in the spring to temporarily house 240 asylum seekers in a vacant school building.

Demonstrations took place almost daily and at times turned violent. Police said protesters obstructed traffic and threw fireworks at officers, while local residents reported feeling unsafe.

Riot police were deployed several times, and dozens of people were arrested on suspicion of public disorder or vandalism.

Police said they took firm action as the protests escalated. Footage of police operations was later shared on social media.

The seven people arrested made comments about the footage that police described as threatening and inflammatory.

Police said sharing such images is permitted but warned that “some statements cross a line.”

The emergency shelter opened on June 1 but closed a month later after asbestos was found in part of the building. Residents were relocated elsewhere.

Protests and a counter-demonstration continued at the building even after the shelter had closed.