Dutch open prison ship for illegal immigrants

AMSTERDAM – The Dutch government introduced a prison boat near Rotterdam yesterday, part of a crackdown on illegal immigrants and rejected asylum seekers.

The ship holds as many as 288 prisoners who were residing illegally in the Netherlands. It was used for housing asylum seekers before being converted into a prison ship.A justice ministry spokeswoman said the boat was less expensive and quicker for expanding to hold more people than building a new prison.He said the ship would house illegal aliens because they are among the least dangerous inmates.The plan is the latest in a series of measures to clamp down on illegal immigration, a hot topic since the rise of populist politician Pim Fortuyn, shot dead by an animal rights activist in May 2002.The Dutch government this year sought to expel up to 26 000 asylum seekers.Nampa-ReutersIt was used for housing asylum seekers before being converted into a prison ship.A justice ministry spokeswoman said the boat was less expensive and quicker for expanding to hold more people than building a new prison.He said the ship would house illegal aliens because they are among the least dangerous inmates.The plan is the latest in a series of measures to clamp down on illegal immigration, a hot topic since the rise of populist politician Pim Fortuyn, shot dead by an animal rights activist in May 2002.The Dutch government this year sought to expel up to 26 000 asylum seekers. Nampa-Reuters