Dutch coronavirus inquiry witnesses targeted by physical and online threats

Several witnesses summoned by the parliamentary coronavirus inquiry committee have been subjected to physical and online threats before their testimony and, in some cases, after appearing as well. Committee chair Daan de Kort condemned the intimidation as "unacceptable," saying, "Our tolerance for this reprehensible behavior is zero, and we are in contact with the police and security services about it." A committee spokesperson said it is unknown whether any of the threatened witnesses have filed police reports, as that is a decision for the individuals themselves.

De Kort also said members of the inquiry committee have received threats. "Unfortunately, many members of parliament have to deal with this, and that is also true for members of the coronavirus inquiry committee," he said.

The identities of the threatened witnesses have not been disclosed. During her testimony, Nienke Luijckx said renewed unrest had arisen around her in the run-up to her appearance before the committee.

She said she had also received threats during the pandemic, many of them from teachers. Several other coronavirus inquiry witnesses also spoke emotionally during their hearings about the intimidation they experienced at the time.

“Intimidation, aggression, or physical threats against these witnesses not only cross every line of decency in our democracy, but they also interfere with the committee’s work,” De Kort said. “Witnesses must be able to give their testimony freely and safely. Threats have no place in a society governed by the rule of law. It is disgraceful to try to intimidate people in this way. The perpetrators should be ashamed.”

According to De Kort, the threats have come from across the spectrum, including both critics of strict coronavirus measures and people who supported them.