News item | 22-09-2025 | 12:28
On May 23, 1977, students and primary school teachers were hostageed by 4 Moluccan young men in primary school in Drenthe. Research by ARQ National Psychotrauma Center shows that the events still have deep impact on affected students, teachers, their loved ones and the community.
State Secretary Arno Rutte of Justice and Security today received the investigation report in the presence of those involved.
“Thanks to this research, the Netherlands – finally – has a good picture of the long -term consequences of the school host. The former students, former teachers, relatives of the then and other stakeholders who have been hit by the hostage have been heard. A start has been made on listening to their stories. I hope that the measures of the need for the needs of Geeffenenen are mainly getting the Getoffenen’s needs Give a place hostage. ”
Research and reason
In 2022, affectors asked attention for their situation. This led to parliamentary questions and the start of a process of the central government and the municipality of Midden -Drenthe. The WODC had an independent research conducted by ARQ into the experiences and needs of the affectors and their environment.
Need for support
For most affectors who participated in the study, the hostage -taking was a very negative experience. A minority still experiences serious mental complaints; The number of suspected PTSD cases is relatively high. That is why, in consultation with those involved, there will be a low -threshold support point that offers assistance and refers to specialized care and fellow contact.
Recognition
Most participants indicated that they did not recognize at the time by rich, municipality and society. They blame the government responsibility for the reason for the hostage and a lack of aftercare. At the same time, researchers point out that various support measures were taken at the time.
State Secretary Rutte: “With today’s knowledge, I see that this help has not achieved all the affections and that some of them was and is needed. This research shows what consequences that has had. It is good that this is now visible, so that we can offer targeted support.”
Information and reminder point
According to the State Secretary, it is important to silence the hostage, which is experienced by the affectors, to break through and to give public awareness of the school hostage and the consequences for affected people. That is why together with the affectors, we look at how an information and reminder point can be set up with reliable information, personal stories and educational material.
Living together in Bovensmilde
Researchers identify willingness to a large proportion of the people involved to start the conversation to work together on processing. Various local initiatives have been developed in recent decades. On the basis of the results of the research, a follow -up phase explores the need among residents of Bovensmilde there are still there.
Different needs
In the coming period, the recommendations will be further elaborated together with affectors and residents of Bovensmilde. The needs of those involved vary greatly. The researchers emphasize that their recommendations are tools, not obligations. Not everyone wants to participate in fellow sufferers, activities or the support center. “That too is their good right,” said the State Secretary.