Expatica news

Dutch news in brief – 5 July 2004

Sky marshals set to prevent hijackings

Sky marshals will in the near future be flying on KLM and Martinair flights for a six-month trial period. The Justice Ministry, military police, pilots and the airlines have confirmed an agreement on a definite set of regulations, it was reported late last week. The sky marshals will be required to prevent hijackings and the Dutch government is financing the trial. The sky marshals are expected to be on board US-bound flights, but the government will determine which flights will carry the specially-trained officers. Only the pilot will be informed of the sky marshal’s presence.

Prosecution demands 8 years for Lusanne kidnapping

The public prosecution office (OM) demanded on Friday in an appeals hearing in Leeuwarden Court that the man convicted of kidnapping 11-year-old Lusanne van der Gunn be sentenced to eight years jail. Simon S., 64, was sentenced to five years jail by the same court in February this year for the August 2003 kidnapping. The prosecution appealed that ruling and the appeals court will hand down its ruling on 15 July.

Dutch PM urges EU to stimulate democracy

Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende has urged the European Union to play a greater role in promoting democracy in non-EU countries. The Dutch leader said EU nations should improve co-operation in this area and that non-governmental organisations campaigning for democracy should receive support. Speaking at the International Congress on Democracy in the Peace Palace in The Hague, Balkenende also said the EU should participate ore frequently in international peace missions, Radio Netherlands reported.

Hirsi Ali rappers arrested over song’s threat

Three members of the rap group DHC were arrested on Friday and Saturday for a song that uses sexist and racist language criticising Liberal VVD MP Ayaan Hirsi Ali. The song also threatens her with death and the outspoken Somali-born MP lodged a police complaint on 29 June. The lawyer for the three suspects said the song was recorded privately in 2003, but placed on the internet by a third party. The defendants claim they never intended to publish the song.

[Copyright Expatica News 2004]

Subject: Dutch news