Detention camps for the ill-behaved.
The week's news at a glance.
Netherlands
Edwin Cornelisse
Algemeen Dagblad
There are some people you just can’t live with, said Edwin Cornelisse in the Amsterdam Algemeen Dagblad. In fact, you can’t even live near them. To house these “anti-social” types—people whose neighbors have frequently complained about loud, messy, drunken, or simply unpleasant behavior—the Dutch government is building special communities on the outskirts of towns. The anti-social inhabitants will be supervised 24 hours a day. Anyone who demonstrates that he or she can live responsibly and be respectful of the community will eventually be allowed to return home. Those who don’t make progress will remain under supervision. It may sound harsh, but the tactic has a proven track record. Nearby Denmark pioneered these “alternative communities,” known in Danish as “strange houses,” where one can live “free of the ordinary rules.” Plenty of people who are unwilling to put up with noise ordinances or zoning regulations actually move there voluntarily. Some people just don’t want to fit in. Why should we force them?
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Does Reform have a Russia problem?
Talking Point Nigel Farage is ‘in bed with Putin’, claims Rachel Reeves, after party’s former leader in Wales pleaded guilty to taking bribes from the Kremlin
-
Five key questions about the Gaza peace deal
The Explainer Many ‘unresolved hurdles’ remain before Donald Trump’s 20-point plan can get the go-ahead
-
See the Northern Lights from these bucket list destinations
The Week Recommends The dazzling displays can be spotted across Iceland, Sweden and parts of Canada