Waalwijk man, 72, held for threatening Papendrecht mayor online over asylum reception

A 72-year-old resident of Waalwijk, North Brabant, was taken into custody on Thursday for making online threats against the mayor of Papendrecht in Zuid-Holland. According to the police, he faces suspicion of threats, incitement, insults, and coercion.

The threatening messages appeared on social media in response to a specific news article about the reception of asylum seekers in Papendrecht, resulting in inciting and intimidating texts directed at Mayor Margreet van Driel.

The police emphasized once again that issuing threats on the internet is legally equivalent to making them in person. “The person receiving such a message does not see it as a joke, and neither do we,” the police stated. “It can have serious repercussions for your life, including your career. Online threats can result not only in a fine or community service, but also in a permanent record on your criminal file.”

These incidents reflect a growing trend of online hostility and threats toward local officials, particularly concerning asylum and migration topics. The police are urging people to exercise restraint in what they post. In 2023, the Threatened Politicians Team recorded more than 750 reports, almost four times the number in 2015. In the past year, the OM brought charges against 67 individuals for threatening politicians.

Because of rising online and offline threats, local leaders, including mayors, are increasingly implementing preventive security measures. Over the last two years, 440 mayors and aldermen underwent security scans to mitigate risks to their homes, offices, and digital systems, far exceeding the numbers in previous years.

The suspect remains in pretrial custody. The case is set to go before the examining magistrate soon, and the investigation may be extended to include additional messages.