Update: response from Paul Meijer
When asked why he was not present, Meijer answers: “My attention span is quite short and my memory does not work well. You have to be mentally sharp enough for such a lawsuit.”
Meijer finds it reprehensible that the judge noted during the hearing that the medical documents do not show that cancer had actually been diagnosed. He emphasizes, just like his lawyer, that the case has been going on for years and could have been concluded much earlier. “Then I could have told my story much earlier.”
He believes it is unjustified that the Public Prosecution Service is questioning his absence, even though he went on holiday to Aruba. “A court case is very different from a holiday. I am not a hermit and was there at the invitation of a friend.”
‘Not a sad man’
He also denies that he played an active role during the municipal elections. According to him, the fact that BVNL described him as ‘stronger than ever’ was mainly due to image formation. “Of course you shouldn’t come across as a pathetic little man.”
According to Meijer, there is more to the case than just the financial accusations. He points to a conflict with former party colleague Erik Vermeulen. “I just won a Trojan horse with him.” According to Meijer, the court must also take that conflict into account.
Meijer says he would like to tell his own story in court. “I am firmly convinced of my innocence. I don’t think I have done anything wrong.” He therefore hopes to be present at the next hearing.