Ten graves in Rusthof cemetery have been moved to another cemetery at the expense of the municipality of Amersfoort. This is reported by the mayor of Amersfoort Lucas Bolsius and alderman Kees Kraanen.
In September last year, a ‘paranormal investigation’ was held at Rusthof by six people who believed they could communicate with the deceased. They were given permission to walk through the cemetery after closing time, accompanied by a staff member. Using equipment and luminescent balls, they examined whether the ‘energy’ of the deceased was present.
The case came to light after the group left a camera lying around. It was found by a father visiting his child’s grave. Many relatives, including parents of deceased children, reacted with shock and sadness to the fact that an attempt had been made to ‘communicate’ with their deceased loved ones, without their consent or knowledge.
It was already known that several relatives had their loved ones reburied. Now it is clear that there are ten graves. Mayor Lucas Bolsius and alderman Kees Kraanen report this in a letter to the city council. In it they also outline what will now change in Rusthof’s policy when it comes to allowing activities at the cemetery.
Philosophy of life platform
‘About 25 relatives have indicated that they would like to think along about this’, write Bolsius and Kraanen. Several meetings are organized for this purpose. The municipalities of Amersfoort and Leusden (of which Rusthof actually falls under) are involved in this. But also the ‘Platform for Philosophies and Religions’.
The neighboring municipality of Leusden will in any case be given a stronger role in the (new) policy on the cemetery. Although Amersfoort is the owner and manager, the municipality of Leusden will soon draw up the rules, albeit in consultation with Amersfoort. “We are currently consulting with the municipality of Leusden about what this means,” it sounds from Amersfoort.
27 relatives have now had a group discussion with (delegates) of the group of paranormal investigators. The six have appointed a ‘representative’ who then had a personal conversation with the relatives of the (a few) graves where the group believes it has found ‘energies’.
Criminally prosecuted
Whether the six paranormal investigators and the then director of Rusthof will be prosecuted for grave robbery has been under investigation for months by the Public Prosecution Service. The Public Prosecution Service said that this investigation will take considerable time. A group of 42 relatives filed a collective declaration in November last year.