STOCKHOLM (AP) — The latest in the odyssey of hundreds of thousands of migrants crossing Europe in search of a new life. All times local.
11 a.m.
Political leaders in the Netherlands are calling for a halt to threats and intimidation amid heated debate on providing shelter for thousands of asylum seekers entering the country.
In an open letter published Wednesday, the leaders of 11 political parties in the Dutch parliament say they understand the strong emotions on both sides of the debate but appeal to concerned citizens “not to confuse threats and insults with arguments. Let everybody speak, even if you totally disagree with them.”
In recent weeks, demonstration marches and meetings to discuss emergency housing for asylum seekers in several towns have degenerated into slanging matches.
The leaders say that anonymous threats via mail and social media also appear to be increasing, adding that “people, whatever their view, who behave that way limit freedom for all of us.”
Even the nation’s monarch is concerned. In comments to reporters during a state visit to China, King Willem-Alexander said that, “In the Netherlands we talk things out, we don’t fight them out.”
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10:55 a.m.
Sweden’s immigration agency says it will no longer publicize the location of facilities intended to house refugees after more than 20 fires, many considered arsons, have either destroyed or made the buildings temporarily unusable.
Migrationsverket spokeswoman Johanna Uhr says future sites “will somehow be kept concealed.”
Uhr says it hasn’t yet decided how to do that.
In recent weeks, Sweden has seen a spate of arson attacks on asylum centers or buildings to be used as such as an influx of refugees has surged. Immigration officials estimate some 190,000 asylum-seekers will arrive this year, putting Sweden second only to Germany among EU members.
Last week, Migrationsverket called an idea by a Swedish municipality to keep a facility secret unrealistic. The agency’s new position came after two more blazes early Wednesday.
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