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Amersfoort Puts AZC Plans on Hold as Open Days Proceed Under Tighter Security

Contrasting scenes highlight how transparent communication, with safety planning central to community acceptance.

Overview

  • Amersfoort paused proposals for centers in Vathorst and Schothorst and is processing 183 Woo requests, with the municipality pledging to publish documents and hold listening sessions before next steps.
  • Residents in affected Amersfoort neighborhoods report lingering stress and reduced trust after the abrupt announcement, following rapid mobilization through app groups, posters and fundraising for legal action.
  • Many COA open days on Burendag drew hundreds of visitors and passed peacefully, including in Hoogeveen, Grave, Gouda and Winterswijk, where tours and conversations offered a view of daily life inside the centers.
  • COA canceled open days at about five sites, including Hoofddorp and Amsterdam, while Vianen hosted a low-key event with ID checks and saw a small, peaceful counter-demonstration; Utrecht province logged roughly 1,200 visitors, including 90 in Vianen.
  • In Den Bosch, police and riot units deployed after signals of a planned attempt to storm the Pettelaarpark AZC; around 40 activists gathered briefly and left without incident.