25 September 2008

Dutch woman abducted in the Dutch Antilles
The Dutch Antilles island of Bonaire is in shock after a young Dutch woman went missing during the weekend.

AD, De Volkskrant and Trouw report on the abduction that bears similarities to the Holloway case that took place on Aruba. Twenty-four-year-old Marlies van der Kouwe disappeared after an evening at a popular bar on Saturday night. She was seen being dragged off her bicycle by one or two assailants on a scooter. Only her bicycle and flip-flops were found.

The people of Bonaire point out the differences from the Holloway case. Ms van der Kouwe was not drinking, while Ms Holloway was. Aruba is a densely populated, international resort, whereas Bonaire only has 15,000 residents and fewer tourists.

Ms van der Kouwe was on the island for three weeks where she was working at a chemist’s. Born on Curacao, she was no stranger to the Antilles. The local police force received reinforcements from Curacao and the Netherlands. The coastguard is also helping to search for the young woman.

The owner of the bar where she was last seen expects it won't be long before someone comes forward with information. "Our island is too small to live with such a terrible secret".

New integrity checks for businesses
The Dutch Justice Minister, Ernst Ballin, wants businesses to be monitored more closely in the future to prevent fraud and money laundering. AD reports that in January 2010 the Ministry will more fully screen any new owner or board member of a company to ensure they are not involved in illegal practices. If illegal information appears, the ministry will investigate the person further. The existing check is not thorough enough, the minister said.

Extreme animal rights group moves to The Netherlands
De Telegraaf warns that an extreme animal rights group has come to the Netherlands to target the stock exchange, financial institutions, pharmaceutical companies and shops that sell fur.

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