More arson attacks on Dutch Turkish organisations in wake of failed military coup

There have been at least two more arson attacks on Turkish organisations in the Netherlands in recent days as the impact of the failed military coup continues to be felt.

On Sunday night two men were caught on security cameras sprinkling petrol at the entrance to a Turkish organisation’s offices in Apeldoorn. The fire failed to spread because the organisation had installed fire-resistant doors.

The office is used by an organisation Unie van Betrokken Ouders which aims to stop youngsters becoming radicalised, broadcaster NOS said. The group’s board is considered to be allied to Muslim cleric Fetullah Gulen, said by Ankara to be behind last week’s coup attempt.

At the weekend, a building used by various Turkish religious organisations in Deventer was set on fire. Again, the fire did not spread and was quickly brought under control.

Last week Dutch foreign minister Bert Koenders urged Dutch Turks who are being threatened or intimidated following the failed coup to make a formal police complaint.

It is crucial to take threats and intimidation seriously and ensure that those behind the calls to violence cannot get away with it, Koenders said.