Terrorist attack threat ‘limited’ in Holland

The threat of a terror attack in the Netherlands remains ‘limited’, but cannot be ruled out entirely, according to the latest government report into potential terrorism in Holland.


However, the situation could change rapidly if, for example, a new extremist leadership emerged, the report by the justice and home affairs ministries says. In particular, it says the discussion over Islam in Dutch society has become more muted in recent months and the tone of internet debate between Muslim youths has become less heated.
Nevertheless, the internet continues to be an important way for ‘jihadists’ to communicate. The Netherlands is currently working on plans to block radical or terrorist-promoting websites together with other European countries.
In addition, over the past two years, some 15 individuals suspected of being a security threat have been actively ‘harassed’ by the police in a process known as ‘a personally-targeted approach’.
The aim is to make it clear to the subject that they are under surveillance, and to make it impossible for them to be of any use to terror groups. Judging by the amount of complaints by people who have been subject to such harassment, the procedure is a success, the report concludes.
The Netherlands has held several high-profile terrorism trials over the past year resulting in jail terms for several people for planning to carry out terrorist attacks, but there have been no actual incidents.

Thank you for donating to DutchNews.nl.

We could not provide the Dutch News service, and keep it free of charge, without the generous support of our readers. Your donations allow us to report on issues you tell us matter, and provide you with a summary of the most important Dutch news each day.

Make a donation