Volt was entitled to expel MP Gündoğan, appeal court rules

Photo: DutchNews.nl
Photo: DutchNews.nl

Opposition party Volt has won its appeal against MP Nilüfer Gündoğan, who was expelled as a member in the wake of complaints about abusive behaviour.

Gündoğan, 45, was elected as one of three MPs for the pro-European party in 2021, but a year later she had her membership revoked after being accused of physical violence, making unwanted sexual advances, and abusing her position of power.

A court ruled that the expulsion was invalid and ordered Volt to pay Gündoğan €5,000 as an initial payment for damages, after she said statements made in party press releases about her were libellous.

On Tuesday the appeal court in Amsterdam overturned the decision against Volt, ruling that her expulsion was justified and revoking the award of damages.

Gündoğan, who now sits as an independent MP, told the court she did not wish to rejoin Volt. The party expelled her a second time following the original judgment because she refused to withdraw her claim for libel. She maintains that the claims of excessive behaviour were unfounded.

 

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