MPs want clarity about the treatment of hunger-striking asylum seekers following comments on Monday evening by a doctor treating one of them.

Doctor Elcke Bonsen told tv programme Nieuwsuur her client is being mistreated and she is being hindered in her work.

Ten asylum seekers are on hunger strike in a Rotterdam detention centre, two of whom have been placed in solitary confinement and one of whom is in hospital because of his deteriorating health.

Serious

MPs from the left-wing liberal D66, Christian Democrats and Labour say if what the doctor says is correct, the situation is very serious, the Nos reports.

On Tuesday Bonsen was allowed into the detention centre to speak to her client and told the Nos he made a good impression. She said earlier she had been told she was not welcome, but finally managed to make an appointment.

The MPs want more information about the case ahead of a parliamentary debate on Wednesday.