Dutch news in brief – 1 June 2004

War crimes tribunal seeks Dutchbat chief

The Yugolsavia War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague has requested assistance from the Dutch government in tracking down Thom Karremans, who was the commander of the Dutch UN troops during the fall of Srebrenica in July 1995. The defence team representing Bosnian-Serb officer Vidoje Blagojevic wants to hear testimony from Karremans, news agency Novum reported. The UN-protected Muslim safe haven at Srebrenica fell to invading Serb troops during the break-up of the Yugoslavia and at least 7,000 Muslim men and boys were executed. Karremans has since retired and recently said he has gone into hiding in Spain, feeling threatened as a result of his role in the tragedy. The court agrees that his testimony is relevant for the case and the Dutch government has until Thursday to report back on his whereabouts.

Inquiry into Van Gogh thefts re-opened

Amsterdam Court has ruled that the investigation into the theft of two Vincent van Gogh paintings from the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is incomplete and should be reopened. The court wants further investigations into the hole in the window the thieves allegedly used to gain entry to the museum and the DNA material left behind in a hat. The artworks were stolen in December 2002 and two suspects, identified as Octave D. and Henk B., have been accused of the thefts, news agency nu.nl reported. The prosecution has demanded six and five years jail against the two men and the Dutch State has demanded EUR 1.8 million in damages. The stolen paintings, the 1882 “Zeezicht uit Scheveningen” (View of the Sea at Scheveningen) and the 1884 “Het uitgaan van de hervormde kerk in Nuenen” (Congregation leaving the Reformed church in Nuenen), have not been recovered. Both men deny the charges.

Employee fraud goes unreported based on fear

About 60 percent of workers who are aware of fraud within their company do not report it to the relevant authorities, accounting firm Ernst & Young claims. After surveying 503 people, the company also said that 29 percent of respondents said the use or appropriation of company property is the most common form of fraud, NOS reported. Wrongful expense claims also frequently occur. Stealing or “borrowing” of money and the forging or changing transfers are considered the most serious.

NS tickets more expensive over the counter

Train travellers who buy their tickets at Dutch rail operator NS service desks will be charged an extra EUR 0.50 from Tuesday 1 June. The NS hopes the higher price will encourage commuters to buy their tickets from the automated ticket machines. The plan is designed to free service counter personnel for other tasks, such as supplying information to travellers. Travel organisations have criticised the move, saying the elderly will be primarily affected because they have difficulty with the machines and need personal help.

Subject: Dutch news