News item | 20-05-2022 | 16:30
Terrorists and violent extremists continue to pose a real threat to our open and free society. There are still people who are out to overthrow our democratic legal order by brute force. Terrorist violence will continue to be conceivable in the Netherlands in the coming years. There is a threat from jihadism and right-wing extremism. We also see new and ad hoc forms of extremism, often in combination with extreme anti-government sentiments and conspiracy theories. This threat of violence is difficult to predict and can escalate into terrorist violence in the case of loners.
The government is committed to tackling all forms of violent extremism and terrorism and to preventing an attack on Dutch soil and Dutch interests abroad. This is reflected in the National Counterterrorism Strategy 2022-2026 adopted by the Council of Ministers.
Minister Yeşilgöz-Zegerius of Justice and Security: “In our country, people can live together in freedom and security. That is a great asset that we must cherish and protect together. Radicalization should be prevented as early as possible. The increasing use of online platforms by both jihadists and right-wing extremists deserves our full attention. And impunity for ISIS terrorists is prevented.”
Approach follows the threat
Many recent attacks in Europe have been committed by single perpetrators. In the coming years, this will require extra attention for the threat posed by this group and more intensive cooperation between the healthcare and security domains. More and more radicalization takes place online, on channels such as Telegram and Instagram. This calls for technological solutions, both for identifying and countering the spread of violent extremist and terrorist content.
In the coming years, convicted terrorists will be released from the Terrorism Department (TA) and extra attention must be paid to safe and controlled reintegration after detention. The maximum sentence for participation in a terrorist organization must also be increased to 20 years.
Local approach
The National Counterterrorism Strategy was developed under the coordination of the National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism (NCTV), with the involvement of all partners. From intelligence, security and investigation services, the judicial and migration chain, to the social and local partners. The new strategy is a continuation of the already existing good cooperation between local and national partners. This local approach is the foundation of the Dutch counterterrorism strategy and is distinctive in Europe.