Men fined, sentenced for threatening Venlo mayor and asylum agency online

Four men aged 47, 65, 68, and 70 from Baarlo and Venlo have received fines and community service for threatening and insulting the mayor of Venlo and the asylum reception organization COA on social media, the Public Prosecution Service (OM) reports. The incidents occurred ahead of a decision on establishing an asylum center in a former monastery in Venlo. Two additional suspects are also under investigation for threatening local council members, according to an OM spokesperson.

The 47-year-old suspect wrote, “It’s time for the mayor to be hanged by the collar at the top of our city hall.” Due to the severity of online threats, the Venlo municipality implemented security measures at Mayor Antoin Scholten’s residence in November 2025. Alderman Frans Schatorjé was similarly advised to avoid cycling home alone following contentious meetings.

The OM reports that the men expressed remorse after speaking with Mayor Antoin Scholten and learning the effect their actions had on him and others.

They were sentenced to 40 hours of community service for threatening Scholten and 30 hours for insulting him. Additionally, they were fined 500 euros for threatening the COA.

The fifth suspect declined to speak with authorities, meaning his case will be heard by the police court. The proceedings against the sixth suspect are scheduled for a later date, with the OM providing no further details.

In late November, the Venlo municipal council approved the plan to accommodate 328 asylum seekers in the monastery. Although the Venlo municipal council approved the asylum center, multiple council members reported being emotionally affected by online harassment and threats, sometimes losing sleep over them. Extra security measures were put in place during meetings to ensure public order.