In the Netherlands, the municipality of Hengelo evicted two Ukrainians from a shelter after drugs and a weapon were found

In the Netherlands, the municipality of Hengelo evicted two Ukrainians from shelter over found drugs and weapons

In the Dutch city of Hengelo, the municipality evicted two brothers from Ukraine after inspecting their room. According to the shelter director Simone van Rooi, the check was carried out after an anonymous tip. In the room, various kinds of drugs, chemical substances, including sulfuric acid, tiles, mini-weed, many phones, and a large knife were found.

The municipality explained that the immediate eviction was necessary to protect other residents. The brothers appealed this decision in court.

The court ordered the municipality to provide them with a place to live. For every day the brothers remained without shelter, the municipality was to pay €1 000, in total up to €60 000.

Hengelo Mayor Sander Scherrebroek said that returning the brothers to the same shelter, which is already overcrowded, would be dangerous for residents and staff. The municipality kept its decision in force and is paying the court-ordered amount.

The Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG) says similar problems occur across the country. The European directive on temporary protection gives Ukrainian refugees the right to shelter. Even after eviction from a specific shelter, the municipality must provide a place for the person to live. The VNG proposes creating separate centers for people who disrupt order in shelters, and reviewing the rules.

Minister for Refugees and Migration Bart van der Brinck called the brothers’ behavior unacceptable. He said the government is already discussing the possibility of placing such residents in other centers, since changing legislation will take time.

After eviction they lived temporarily in a hotel, the bill for which, presumably, will be paid by the Hengelo municipality. From 10 November they were given a place in a shelter in a neighboring municipality.