3 weeks Ago
The group set up along Hassebergerweg and pulled over cars coming to Germany, checking some cars with their drivers' consent. Dutch and German police responded at once, confronted the group and ordered them to leave. No one was arrested and police did not ask for identification, they said. But officers did set down license plate numbers, RTV Noord reported.
Active Vigilante Activities on the Border
The episode brought to mind a similar incident in Ter Apel, where vigilantes had stopped drivers on the spot for checks. That move was condemned last week by the municipality of Westerwolde, which labelled the act "life-threatening" and reminded residents that civilians are forbidden by law from stopping cars on public roads.
Van Weel, a caretaker as Justice Minister, said she recognised the frustration but added that enough was enough. "I sympathize with their frustration, but I'm asking folks not to do this," he said, adding that taking the law into one's own hands is "not acceptable.
The situation is being closely followed by authorities as tension grows over asylum policies in the area.
