News / EU

Lock up all Muslim male refugees in asylum centers: Dutch MP

Monday, 18 January 2016 11:37 PM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 19 January 2016 12:21 AM ]

Far-right Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders

Far-right Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders says all Muslim male refugees should be incarcerated in their asylum centers in Europe, claiming it to be necessary for protecting women on the streets.

Wilders made the remarks in a Monday video for his Freedom Party (PVV) following the recent sexual assaults against women in the German city of Cologne on New Year’s Eve.

In the video released in both Dutch and English, he urged the Dutch government to shut the country’s borders to all "asylum-seekers from Islamic countries."

"But as long as this doesn't happen, as long as our women are in danger..., I propose that we lock the male asylum seekers up in the asylum centers."

Europe is facing an unprecedented influx of refugees who are fleeing conflict-hit zones in North Africa and the Middle East, particularly Syria. Many blame major European powers for the exodus, saying their policies have led to a surge in terrorism and wars, forcing people out of their homes.

*Refugees walk through snow-covered fields after crossing the Macedonian-Serbian border, January 18, 2016. (AFP)*

Wilders further censured the attacks in Germany, which were blamed on North African and Arab refugees, calling them “sexual terrorism.”

Wilders's comments have already proved contentious. He is scheduled to stand trial in March for provoking racial hatred after promising in local elections that he would ensure there will be "fewer Moroccans" in the Netherlands.

In another provocative measure, the PVV is slated to distribute fake pepper spray among women at a weekend march planned in the town of Spijkenisse on Saturday. Carrying pepper spray is banned in the Netherlands, but Wilders has said it should be legalized.

According to figures released by the International Organization for Migration, more than one million refugees reached Europe’s shores in 2015. More than 3,300 people either died or went missing in their hazardous journey to the continent.

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