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27 September 2005
AMSTERDAM — A cyclist, 19, who tried to spit in the face of Immigration and Integration Minister Rita Verdonk at the weekend was still in police custody on Tuesday morning.
Verdonk was on a family outing with her husband and children when the incident occurred on the Leidsestraat in Amsterdam. The minister was able to avert her head to avoid the flying saliva.
A bodyguard, who was guarding the minister, detained the man and handed him over to police.
Verdonk lodged a complaint with the police about the incident and the suspect was still in custody on Tuesday, a police spokesperson said. The motive for the “attack” remains unclear.
Last year, Verdonk was showered with ketchup during a working visit to Amsterdam. Two women were jailed for 11 days for what they claimed was a “happening” protest action.
The minister has spearheaded the toughening of immigration and asylum procedures in the Netherlands — making her less than popular in some quarters.
[Copyright Expatica News + ANP 2005]
Subject: Dutch news