From heart-warming reactions on social media to presents left at the front door. Inge Dijkinga and Hans van der Zee from the hamlet of Boterveen near Dwingeloo receive support after a fireworks bomb destroyed their car during Christmas night. They suspect that the attack is related to their opposition to the use of poisons in lily cultivation.
What they have always kept from happening is now happening. “We are going to hang cameras around our house today,” says Dijkinga. Since she was startled by the bang, tension and stress have prevailed. “We have had to deal with intimidation before. Our sense of security was already hard to find and is now completely lost.” Yet she refuses to give in to the destruction. “We will never give in to this terror and still believe in free speech.”
Dijkinga and her partner are affiliated with AARDige neighbors, a group of residents of Boterveen who oppose the use of poison in lily cultivation. “I hesitated about publishing this story. But I decided to do it anyway,” says Dijkinga. “It is time for the government to take action.” The group of residents does not feel heard by the government. The result is that they try to enforce their right through the courts. Dijkinga: “The way things are going now, it is encouraging polarization.”
There is contact with mayor Rikus Jager of the municipality of Westerveld. “He called us and expressed his disgust. He also asked the police to take the matter seriously.” Dijkinga and Van der Zee have filed a report. “The neighbors’ camera images show a gray Volkswagen Caddy driving away. Unfortunately, the license plate is not visible. But that many of these cars are not driving around here,” she says.
Dijkinga has been extra alert since the explosion. “I’m dying for New Year’s Eve and fireworks.” Despite all the commotion, she decided to go ahead with her plan for that day. “On New Year’s Day we will be baking oliebollen for the neighborhood.”
The police are investigating the case and cannot say whether there is a connection with lily cultivation. The spokesperson does confirm that a report has now been filed and that extra attention is being paid to reports from the neighborhood.