Asylum center protests in the Netherlands are attracting a diverse range of groups and individuals, including conspiracy theorists, far-right activists, and individuals with criminal backgrounds. These protests are fueled by a general aversion to the government and a belief in conspiracy theories.

The protests act as a magnet for various radical groups and individuals, who are becoming increasingly intertwined. These groups include representatives of the extreme right, football hooligans, radicalized corona critics, and marginal figures with a criminal past. The distinction between these groups is often blurred.

In Eibergen, a demonstration against the arrival of a reception center for asylum seekers drew about three hundred people. Some protesters expressed concern about the murder of a 17-year-old girl in Amsterdam, for which an asylum seeker is suspected. Others promoted conspiracy theories and radical ideas.

Pepijn van Houwelingen, a politician from Forum for Democracy, spoke about the alleged danger of “population replacement” and advocated for “remigration.” Ton Koenderink, from Sapientes-ab-Oriente, appealed to the solidarity of the audience.

The fusion of discontent among these groups is a concern, as it can lead to ideological cross-pollination and further radicalization. Experts have warned about the potential for violence and the harassment of public officials. This was evident in recent weeks at asylum demonstrations in The Hague, Amsterdam, and Uithoorn.