Van Quickenborne: “As a precaution, I will be placed under strict security for the time being”
In a post on social media, Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne responded on Saturday to news that he has been placed under increased security following threats.
“It is a threat that was directed against myself as Minister of Justice and no one else. Action was taken quickly and suspects were arrested,” writes Van Quickenborne. “As a precautionary measure, I will be placed under strict security for the time being and will not be able to participate in some planned activities in the coming days.”
One of the activities on the program was the Party of Team Mayor on Saturday evening in the Xpo of the city of Kortrijk, where Van Quickenborne is still the title-holding mayor. 1,600 people come to dine there and later 800 extra visitors come to party. The party will indeed take place, but under strict security measures. Van Quickenborne himself will not be there.
The federal prosecutor’s office announced on Saturday that Van Quickenborne has been placed under increased security by the National Crisis Center after investigations showed that a potential threat must be taken seriously. In its press release, the federal prosecutor’s office immediately said that three people could be arrested in the Netherlands on Friday night and that their surrender has been requested.
In his response, Van Quickenborne says that he and his family are in good hands, he also thanks the security services for their “quick and professional approach”. He confirms that he will not be able to participate in a number of activities due to the increased security. “It’s not pleasant, but understandable.” “As a father, my first concern at the moment is with my wife and children. They have not chosen this, but they have to bear the consequences. Any parent will understand that this is hard to bear.” Van Quickenborne says he and his wife try to shield their children as much as possible from what is happening. “Thank you for respecting our privacy.”
The people behind the threat achieve the opposite of what they’re aiming for, Van Quickenborne said. “It strengthens my conviction that we must continue to fight. The criminals feel cornered. That feeling is justified. Because we will continue to fight against organized crime, with more manpower and resources than before.”
Van Quickenborne concludes: “In our democratic constitutional state we will never give in to violence. Never.”