Police arrest 32-year-old over threats against left-wing leader Timmermans
Police arrested a 32-year-old man Sunday morning on suspicion of threatening and insulting Frans Timmermans, leader of GroenLinks-PvdA, during an incident at an Amsterdam café last week, police reports. The confrontation occurred on October 12 at a terrace on the Herengracht, where Timmermans was giving an interview to RTL ahead of the first national election debate.
According to police, the suspect “is accused of having threatened and insulted in an aggressive manner,” an act that “made a clear impression on those present.” Timmermans had been sitting with colleagues when a group of men approached the table after recognizing him. The men reportedly hurled insults and behaved threateningly toward him and RTL reporter.
Timmermans filed a formal complaint on Thursday, prompting an investigation that led to the suspect’s arrest Sunday morning. Police said the man was questioned and later released pending his criminal case. No further details were provided about his identity or place of residence.
The incident occurred around the same time an anti-immigration demonstration ended elsewhere in Amsterdam. Protesters there also targeted Timmermans with antisemitic and insulting slogans.
Timmermans told RTL on Thursday that he has since been assigned additional police protection but that the heightened security “does not hinder” his campaign activities.
