Utrecht Demonstrators Support Refugees

Why this is here: Sahar Shirzad described herself as “a successful product of harsh policies,” now working as a lawyer and advocating for refugees to be seen as citizens.

In Utrecht, Netherlands, several thousand people marched on Thursday to show solidarity with refugees and asylum seekers. The demonstration, organized by a coalition including Extinction Rebellion and Dolle Mina’s, responded to recent unrest and protests against asylum centers in places like Loosdrecht.

Sahar Shirzad, a lawyer who grew up in asylum centers, urged people to speak with refugees, not about them. Participants carried signs reading “refugees welcome” and waved Palestinian and pride flags while chanting support. Pleun Usman, who worked with refugees on Lesbos, expressed hope in seeing so many people united.

Journalist Zoë Papaikonomou criticized media for labeling violent protesters as “concerned citizens,” while 71-year-old Wim Klein Nagelvoort said he felt more anger now than during protests against nuclear weapons in 1983. The demonstration aimed to counter what some see as growing far-right extremism, though organizers acknowledge the need for continued resistance against systemic issues.