September 24 2010 Recent research by the University of Amsterdam suggests that some 12% if Dutch Moroccan Muslims consider themselves orthodox. The figure for Dutch Turkish Muslims is one in 20. According to these figures, the country is home to roughly 36 000 orthodox Muslims. Researcher Jean Tillie, while calling the results “bad news for democracy”, as more orthodox … [Read more...] about Orthodox Muslims in Netherlands ‘Not Radical’
Hirsch Ballin
US interest in Dutch anti-terrorism measures
During a visit to America, Dutch Justice Minister Ernst Hirsch Ballin met with Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano to discuss the ways the Netherlands deals with ‘local terrorists’, such as Mohammed Bouyeri. Trouw reports that the American were particularly interested in the ways national security services in the Netherlands work. … [Read more...] about US interest in Dutch anti-terrorism measures
Dutch MPs demand debate on Islam conference
Members of Parliament are calling for a debate with justice minister Ernst Hirsch Ballin regarding a conference scheduled at the end of May on the future of Islam in the Netherlands. The Telegraaf reports that the MPs are concerned about the involvement of the Muslim Brotherhood in the conference, entitled “Islam in Holland- Meditating on the Present and Future Horizons”. … [Read more...] about Dutch MPs demand debate on Islam conference
Dutch government tightens regulation on foreign marriages
The Dutch government plans to introduce measures to stem the influx of foreign brides and grooms. Would-be marriage migrants will have to be at least 18, and marriages between cousins, aunts and uncles will no longer be allowed. The measures are aimed at marriages between Dutch residents of foreign origin – particularly from Turkey and Morocco, but increasingly also Iraq, … [Read more...] about Dutch government tightens regulation on foreign marriages
Shari’a Must Not Break Dutch Law
The government will crack down on attempts to practice aspects of sharia (Islamic) law in the Netherlands which involve compulsion, pressure and a misuse of power, justice minister Ernst Hirsch Ballin told parliament on Tuesday. The minister said that some differences may be settled in a manner which does not conflict with public order, so long as they were entered into … [Read more...] about Shari’a Must Not Break Dutch Law