The Dutch Amnesty International website recently published an article from news magazine ‘wordt vervolgd’ on intimidation and the use of legal action being taken by supporters of the Eritrean regime towards critics in the Netherlands. The critics that are targeted state that this has not discouraged them from publishing. On the contrary, they say that they have become even more determined.
On 5 July the Dutch Parliament adopted positions expressing concern about the actions of the Eritrean regimes activities in the Netherlands. These followed the debate on Eritrea and the influence of the Eritrean regime in the Netherlands. A total of eleven motions were adopted, while one was rejected. The adoptions confirm the strong stance of the Dutch Parliament on the situation in Eritrea.
On Thursday 30 June, the Dutch Parliament debated on the influence of Eritrea in the Netherlands. In addition, the human rights situation in Eritrea in relation to European Union development aid and crimes against humanity were discussed. At the start of the debate, Eritreans refugees and members of the diaspora offered a petition to Dutch politicians which has currently been signed over 15.000 times. Three Ministers present in the debate made strong commitments on behalf of the Dutch government.