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Netherlands: political refugees questioned (1)

01 January 1991

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Netherlands: political refugees questioned
artdoc June=1991

On 13 April, the Dutch research bureau "Jansen & Janssen" in co-operation
with the "Landelijk Steunpunt Vluchtelingen" (national support centre for
refugees) published a booklet on the security service's efforts to recruit
informants among political refugees. An extensive investigation into some
70 cases of recruitment in which refugees, lawyers, journalists and civil
servants were interviewed, showed that the Binnenlandse Veiligheidsdienst
(BVD) and her local branches in the police departments frequently resort
to subtle pressure and intimidation to obtain co-operation of the asylum
seekers. The BVD has access to all the information that the refugee has
given to the aliens department in order to get recognized as a political
refugee. The potential recruits were offered money, luxuries, and in
several cases recognition was immediately given once the victim promised
to inform on his fellow political activists or on specific political
situations in his home country. On the other hand, people that clearly
refused to comply were declared illegal although they had extensive proof
of being a bona fide political refugee. Jansen & Janssen also give details
on the way in which sensitive information on refugees has been directed
back to the country of origin, to be used by the not-so-democratic security
services against the returned refugee and his affiliates. The publication
has had quite some attention in Holland, Belgium and Germany. Social
Democrat parliamentarians have questioned the minister of the Interior, and
television stations in Holland have given the matter extensive air
coverage.
"De Vluchteling Achtervolgd" (The refugee pursued), Fjodor Molenaar/Buro
Jansen & Janssen Amsterdam, Uitgeverij Ravijn, 1991, 86 pages, dfl. 8,50.
Address: Buro Jansen & Janssen, Singel 268, 1016 AC, Amsterdam.

Statewatch no 2, May/June=1991

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