Security stepped up for Dutch PM Mark Rutte over concerns of drug gang threat
Security has been tightened around Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte after spotters were reported to be seen scoping out his movements
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Security has tightened around the Netherlands’ prime minister Mark Rutte after police were alerted to a possible attack by a drug gang, a Dutch newspaper reports.
De Telegraaf say that police officers from the Royal Diplomatic Security Service (DKDB) have been deployed to shadow Mr Rutte after “spotters” were seen scoping out his movements, prompting fears of a kidnapping or attack.
They also pointed to an “elite security guard” who accompanied Mr Rutte to a budget debate last week as evidence of heightened security.
A government source, speaking on condition of anonymity, reportedly confirmed De Telegraaf’s story to Reuters news agency.
The prime minister himself has refused to discuss the matter, telling reporters that safety and protection issues should never be discussed in public.
Mr Rutte, leader of the centre-right People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy, has been leader of the Netherlands since 2010.
A conservative who vowed to crack down on organised crime, he has foregone extensive security throughout his political career, insisting on cycling to work in The Hague and often taking selfies with members of the public.
The reports come just months after the murder of Dutch crime journalist and former lawyer Peter R de Vries by organised criminals. That Mr de Vries was shot in broad daylight in the nation’s capital was seen as evidence of increased violence in the Netherlands’ drugs trade.
Mr de Vries was appointed counsellor to the star witness of a high-profile drugs case shortly before his death. Footage of the moments after the journalist was shot was shared to social media in what investigators believe was intended to be a message that nobody is out of the reach of drug gangs.
In 2019, the chairman of the Netherland’s biggest police union said that the nation has the “characteristics of narco-state”.
Jan Struijs’ comments followed the murder of Derk Wiersum, the lawyer of the crown prosecution’s star witness Nabil B, for whom Mr de Vries had also been vocally supportive in the media. Mr Wiersum was shot in front of his wife outside their home in Amsterdam.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments