Rabobank (a Dutch bank) decided to determinate the membership of Shabir Burhani, who is in favour of the Sharia and supported the Charlie Hebdo attacks. The question if this is legal? Can you exclude someone, just because you don’t agree with his opinions?
Joost Achterberg, lawyer, explains: the bank chooses between reputational damage and the role in society. Reputational damage can occur when a bank gets involved in the financing of terrorist organizations. When the presumption exists that terrorism plays a role, the bank can end the relationship.
On the other hand, is it not possible to function in society without having a bank account. The Netherlands has however stated by law the right to have a basic bank account with which it is possible to transfer money inside the country, but not abroad.
The decision to end the relationship with Burhani was probably made, because secret security services emphasises the importance to cut off IS from its’ financial suppliers.
