GroenLinks alderman moves out of town after receiving threats

An alderman from Ooststellingwerf in Friesland has been forced to move away from the town following 18 months of threats from locals.

GroenLinks alderman for public space, environment and energy transition Gerben But, has put his house up for sale and will be moving “a fair way” from his place of work, at a two-hour daily commute, local broadcaster Omrop Fryslân reported.

The threats are linked to the GroenLinks alderman’s political preference and his portfolio which includes public space, the environment and energy transition, the broadcaster said.

According to the broadcaster, But also has a “nuanced view” on the presence of wolves in the area which is “not widely appreciated”.

The council confirmed it had given the alderman permission for the move but would not comment on the nature of the threats against him.

But had reported the threats earlier but the case was dismissed. Police would not comment, citing privacy regulations.

But himself believes the threats are due to his stance on the presence of wolves, which many locals object to.

“It is getting in the way of doing my job. It is getting under my skin. I keep looking over my shoulder and that is why we have decided to leave our home,” But told the broadcaster.

Director of the association of aldermen Jeroen van Gool who is involved in a support network for aldermen said threats are becoming more common. Seven in 10 aldermen are receiving threats, including online, he said.

Too few aldermen report the threats, Van Gool said. “Just 8% involve the police and that is far too low. They think it comes with the job,” he said.

On Saturday, the house of Rotterdam alderman Faouzi Achbar was torched in a deliberate attack. Police are still looking for the perpetrators.