THE HAGUE, 04/07/03 - Integration Minister Rita Verdonk wants the 22 asylum-seeker minors who left their 'campus' in Deelen on Wednesday to return there as quickly as possible. The use of violence cannot be rewarded, in her view.

The justice ministry, under which Verdonk's portfolio comes, is investigating the massive fight that took place on the campus on Wednesday. Staff and residents engaged in fisticuffs after a revolt of about 25 asylum-seekers against what they consider too strict a regime in the center, where they are staying ahead of their return to their own country when they are 18.

After the scrimmage, the guardianship body Nidos took 22 asylum-seekers away to place them elsewhere. According to the ministry, it is "no good development" that they escaped the regime through misconduct. The Central Body for Reception of Asylum-seekers (COA) is also furious about Nidos' action.

The COA staff reported five asylum-seekers to the police for assault. These were arrested by the police, but whether they are still in custody is not clear. There are now eight residents left at the center in Deelen.

The 'campus' for asylum-seeker minors was recently opened in Deelen, following the opening of a first center in Vught. A series of incidents had already taken place there. The campus concept was proudly announced earlier as unique in Europe.