Haarlem mayor in hiding over threats

Mayor Jos Wienen from Haarlem left his home due to threats made against him. He is now staying at an undisclosed location. "In and of itself troublesome, but we deal with it", he said to regional broadcaster NH.

The mayor has been under extra protection since early in September in connection with "a threat", the Public Prosecutor said, according to RTL Nieuws. This meant extra security at his house. Early this month, heavily armed police officers also started guarding Haarlem city hall.

Last week the mayor called it a shame that he needs visible, heavily armed security in "our open and democratic society".

Where the threats came from, was not revealed. Over the past year Wienen made some decisions that did not please outlaw motorcycle gangs Hells Angels and No Surrender. He prevented a Hells Angels club house opening in Haarlem, and closed down a club house used by No Surrender