Court upholds conspiracy theorist David Icke's Schengen ban for third year

British conspiracy theorist David Icke remains barred from entering the Netherlands and the broader Schengen Area, following a Dutch court ruling on Friday. This marks the third consecutive year the controversial figure has been prohibited from visiting his in-laws in Haarlem for the holidays.

The decision upholds an entry ban initially imposed in November 2022 by State Secretary Eric van der Burg. The court reaffirmed that Icke represents a "potential threat to public order," citing concerns over the influence of his conspiracy theories and anti-government rhetoric.

David Icke, 72, rose to prominence in conspiracy circles over three decades ago and gained significant attention during the COVID-19 pandemic for his vocal criticism of governments and health policies. In November 2022, Icke was scheduled to speak at a rally on Dam Square in Amsterdam, organized by the anti-government coalition Samen voor Nederland. However, just one day before the event, Van der Burg imposed a two-year entry ban for Icke, effectively barring him from all Schengen countries.

The decision was supported by reports from the National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism (NCTV) and police intelligence, which highlighted the risks posed by Icke's presence. The court stated that his theories contribute to “social acceptance of anti-Semitism, xenophobia, or racism” and could incite anti-government extremism.

According to the court, Icke’s statements, including his assertion that politicians orchestrated the COVID-19 pandemic as part of a broader agenda, undermine democratic institutions and could incite violent resistance. His entry ban also aligns with warnings from the National Coordinator for Antisemitism Prevention (NCAB) and organizations like CIDI, which have criticized Icke for spreading “old antisemitic narratives repackaged in a modern form.”

In December 2022, a preliminary court upheld Van der Burg’s decision, ruling that barring Icke from the Schengen Area was the only effective way to mitigate the risks associated with his presence. Icke unsuccessfully appealed, arguing that banning individuals deemed "potential" threats sets a dangerous precedent for free speech and the right to protest.

The court emphasized that freedom of expression and association have their limits, particularly when public order is at risk. The ruling also noted that Icke has ample alternative platforms to disseminate his views.

On Tuesday, the court in Haarlem rejected Icke’s latest request for a temporary lift of the ban, which he submitted to spend Christmas with his in-laws in Haarlem. A detailed written verdict is expected within two weeks.

"The interest of public order outweighs Icke's personal interests," the court stated. "The ban is necessary to prevent Icke from entering the Netherlands and potentially inciting unrest."

Icke has repeatedly denounced the ban, calling it an “unjust and disproportionate interference” with his rights. On his website, he labeled the case “a farce of a trial” and accused the Dutch government of silencing dissent. “Not a word in the media or ‘alternative’ media about my possibly indefinite ban from 26 European countries [plus Australia] being confirmed by a Dutch court,” he wrote.

In a video posted on Instagram, Icke criticized the Dutch government and accused the Netherlands of no longer being a democratic country, calling the situation “a complete joke.”

Legal expert Jeroen Pols, who has represented Icke in multiple cases, argued that the ban undermines fundamental rights. "Not the words and writings of David Icke are a threat to the democratic legal order; it is the government itself that poses a danger by suppressing critical voices," Pols wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Icke has faced bans from multiple platforms and countries due to his controversial theories. His claims that a secret ruling elite of "reptilian" beings controls humanity, often interpreted as a veiled antisemitic conspiracy, have drawn widespread condemnation. Social media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube, removed his accounts during the COVID-19 pandemic, citing misinformation.

The ban imposed by the Netherlands extends to all Schengen Area countries under EU regulations, preventing Icke from entering any of the 27 member states. He also remains barred from Australia.