paroolAug 29, 2026, 08:21

Police raid home of author of leaked report on misconduct at Amsterdam municipality

Police have raided the homes of lead investigator Bernadette Verheggen on suspicion of leaking a controversial draft report regarding misconduct within the Amsterdam municipality. The original report, which criticized the city's handling of workplace complaints, was suppressed by the ombudsman following pressure from Mayor Femke Halsema before being released to the media.

Police recently conducted raids on properties linked to Bernadette Verheggen, the lead investigator behind a controversial report concerning misconduct within the Amsterdam municipality. Authorities reportedly seized electronic devices, including phones and laptops, on August 19 as part of an investigation into the unauthorized disclosure of a draft report. Verheggen is suspected of leaking the document, which detailed systemic failures in how the city's integrity bureau handled complaints of bullying, discrimination, and intimidation. She has reportedly described the police actions as disproportionate.

The investigation stems from an inquiry by the Amsterdam ombudsman, which was suppressed following strong criticism from Mayor Femke Halsema. While a revised and less critical version of the report was later released, the original draft reached the media, leading the ombudsman to file a formal complaint. Verheggen previously claimed that a culture of fear and complacency exists within the municipal organization, a sentiment she expressed after criticizing the mayor's behavior toward the investigation. The police and legal authorities have declined to provide further details regarding the ongoing case.

Politics

Read original ↗

Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Cabinet to hold extraordinary meeting Tuesday morning on tax plan and box 3

The Dutch cabinet is holding an emergency ministerial meeting on Tuesday to finalize the upcoming tax plan and address long-term changes to Box 3 asset taxation. The government faces pressure to finalize these plans despite warnings from advisors and financial institutions that the proposed 2028 implementation timeline is unfeasible due to IT limitations.

US correspondent Mari Meyer (40) traveled across the US for stories on civil resistance against Trump: ‘The idea that Americans do nothing is absurd’

American correspondent Mari Meyer traveled across the United States to research various forms of civil resistance against Donald Trump for her book, Resist. She argues that the American inclination toward taking direct action provides valuable lessons for others.

Eight months of experimentation: Jetten cabinet still searching for a working formula

The Dutch minority coalition is facing significant instability and legislative gridlock eight months after taking office. Political analysts attribute this paralysis to a constant fear of early elections and a severe lack of communication among governing and opposition parties.

Pre-trial detention of Marius Borg Høiby will not be extended, prosecutor to appeal

Marius Borg Høiby will remain in custody after prosecutors appealed a court decision that denied the extension of his pre-trial detention. The 29-year-old, who is currently appealing a four-year prison sentence for rape and assault, is being held due to concerns about the risk of reoffending.

PRO wants an end to online manipulation: Boys are being aggressively targeted by gambling sites

Member of Parliament Barbara Kathmann is introducing a bill to combat addictive digital algorithms and manipulative practices that target young people. The legislation aims to restrict features like endless scrolling and predatory marketing by gambling sites to protect the mental health of users.