Islam versus Europe

Participation in a terrorist organisation will automatically lead to the loss of Dutch citizenship. State Secretary, Fred Teeven, (Security and Justice) wants to settle the issue with a new bill. He a thus carrying on a motion in the Dutch parliament that was introduced by the VVD.

So far, the Dutch citizenship can only be taken in cases where someone voluntarily joins the army of a state that is engaged in hostilities against the Kingdom of the Netherlands or against an alliance of which the Kingdom is a member, such as NATO.

Mr. Teeven regards the "changing in social perceptions on terrorist-paramilitary groups or guerrilla organisations " as being enough reason to tighten the current system. "However, a final criminal conviction is a prerequisite, as there are stringent requirements on proof of participation in these groups. With a criminal conviction, the factual basis for the loss of Dutch citizenship is certainly sufficiently justified”, said the ministry.

Mr. Teeven also wants for it to be possible for Dutch citizenship to be withdrawn after final sentencing for helping in the preparation of a terrorist offense by providing knowledge and skills, resources and information. In those cases, the person concerned has turned so much against the essential interests of the State that the connection between himself and the Kingdom can no longer exist.

The two new measures, however, may not result in the offender being stateless. The removal of Dutch nationality can only take place if the person also has another nationality.