rssApr 4, 2026, 20:45

Judge recuses himself from VU unlawful detention case because he is also a lecturer

A Dutch court rejected a judge's request to withdraw from a case involving two pro-Palestinian protesters accused of detaining a board member at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. The judge, who is also a university lecturer, expressed concerns about his impartiality and potential student repercussions, but the Recusal Chamber ruled that working at a different university was not sufficient grounds for recusal. The legal proceedings follow a June 2024 incident that led to the forced evacuation of a protest camp in Amsterdam.

Politics Amsterdam Netherlands World

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

Pro-Palestinian protester convicted of group insult, but receives no punishment

A pro-Palestinian protester was convicted of defaming Jewish people for making Holocaust-related remarks during an April demonstration. Although the court also found him guilty of insulting police officers, he received no fine or immediate punishment due to the personal consequences he has already faced from media attention.

Seizure of 'Antifa server' at US request leads to questions and concerns

Dutch authorities have seized a server belonging to the Italian hosting provider Autistici/Inventati at the request of the United States. The U.S. government classifies the company as a terrorist entity, sparking concerns among Dutch digital rights groups and industry associations regarding the precedent for such cross-border legal actions.

Protester who downplayed the Holocaust receives suspended community service

A man in Amsterdam received a fully suspended sentence for making antisemitic remarks during a pro-Palestinian protest and insulting police officers. The court ruled his comments regarding the Holocaust were unacceptable, though they accounted for the severe public backlash he faced in their final sentencing decision.

Police seize server at data center in Amsterdam-Oost at the request of the US

Police in Amsterdam have seized a server from a data center in the city's eastern district at the request of the United States. The action targets an Italian internet provider suspected by American authorities of facilitating the antifascist movement antifa.

Jetten: Shelter City Nijmegen as an example for activists worldwide

Prime Minister Rob Jetten promoted the Shelter City program at a Human Rights Watch summit in Amsterdam, highlighting its role in providing safety for global activists like Kyrgyz feminist Guliaim. While advocating for international human rights, Jetten also acknowledged that the Netherlands must continue to address domestic issues like gender inequality and discrimination.