The Dutch Ministry of Defence wants to dismiss dozens of soldiers who have been convicted of civil offences in the last eight years. In many cases these are old convictions of which the Ministry was already aware. 

Lawyer Michael Ruperti told the ANP news agency on Tuesday that he is already representing seven of these soldiers, but more continue to report to him. According to Mr Ruperti, The Military Intelligence and Security Service MIVD began a so-called 'new security clearance' for soldiers in July 2011.

"From this, dozens of cases have emerged of soldiers who have been convicted before and during their service," says the lawyer. "Since January of this year they have been told that their "declaration of no objection" from the Ministry has been withdrawn. That means they can be suspended and then fired. "

A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence has confirmed a stricter approach in the area of integrity.