Expatica news

Dutch news in brief, 16 November 2004

Willem-Alexander visits siege police

Dutch Crown Prince Willem-Alexander visited police officers in The Hague on Tuesday who were involved in the 14-hour siege with suspected terrorists on 10 November. Describing the incident as very worrying, he noted it could have happened anywhere in the Netherlands. He felt it was important. he said, not only to talk to the arrest team members who had hand grenades thrown at them, but also to other officers who helped evacuate people living near the house where the suspects were holding out.

Idols singer sues over coke claim

Teenage singing star Jim is suing Dutch gossip magazine Story  over an allegation he snorted cocaine at the premiere of the film Snow Fever. Jim, who came second in the first Idols talent contest on Dutch television, claims the allegation is untrue. He wants Story to print a retraction and pay EUR 100,000 in damages.

500,000 victims of domestic violence

About 500,000 women, men and children in the Netherlands are the victims of violence in their home annually, according to new figures compiled by the police. This year police divisions around the country are expected to register 56,000 incidents of domestic violence, including 4,700 cases of child abuse. It is estimated only 10 percent of victims of domestic violence report the matter to police.

[Copyright Expatica News 2004]

Subject: Dutch news