A 31-year-old social housing tenant in Almere faced eviction proceedings after housing corporation GoedeStede said his home on Jim Henson Street was being used for illegal prostitution and was attracting unknown visitors and nuisance. The tenant’s lawyer said an acquaintance had taken control of the home, threatened and forcibly removed the tenant several times, and exploited his addiction. The tenant, who is originally from Eritrea, is receiving protection and guidance while waiting for addiction treatment.

During the hearing, GoedeStede said the tenant was vulnerable but that the situation could not continue because residents felt unsafe and earlier measures, including changing the locks, had not worked. The role of the police and whether the acquaintance could be removed were also discussed. At GoedeStede’s suggestion, the case was left open for another week while the corporation, police and municipality examine possible solutions. The parties were due to inform the court the following Monday whether a solution had been found and whether the eviction proceedings would continue.