Author: NLtimes.nl

NL Times is an online platform that offers English-language news and information about happenings in the Netherlands. Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands

Young father shot dead in Amsterdam garage after parking dispute

An argument at a pay terminal inside a parking garage erupted in gunfire, leaving one young man badly wounded. The man, identified by family as Orpheo Gefferie, died from his injuries at an area hospital, police said. The mother of his seven-year-old child called Gefferie “the best dad” their son could have had. “We will … Continue reading “Young father shot dead in Amsterdam garage after parking dispute”

Video: Duncan Laurence: “Dream come true” to return to Netherlands as Eurovision winner

Less than 24 hours after being crowned the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest, Duncan Laurence is set to make his way back to the Netherlands on Sunday afternoon. “I cannot describe this in words. I am so happy. It is really a dream come true,” Laurence said in the press conference following his victory … Continue reading “Video: Duncan Laurence: “Dream come true” to return to Netherlands as Eurovision winner”

Arson suspected at asylum center near German border

Police in Winterswijk are investigating evidence suggesting arson may have caused a fire at a residential center for asylum seekers. Several people living at the Amstelstraat facility were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. No victims were hospitalized. Firefighters rescued several people after the “medium-sized fire” was reported early at about 3:30 a.m. on … Continue reading “Arson suspected at asylum center near German border”

Man who stabbed Americans at Amsterdam train station reportedly uncooperative

Jawed S., the man suspected of stabbing two American tourists in a terrorist attack at Amsterdam Central Station last year, is only giving limited cooperation to the investigations ongoing against him, was revealed during a proforma hearing in his case on Friday, the Telegraaf reports. Submitted by Janene Pieters on May 17, 2019 – 17:40

Netherlands, Russia resolve dispute over Greenpeace Arctic Sunrise arrests

Russia has agreed to pay 2.7 million euro to the Netherlands as part of a final settlement to end the dispute over a 2013 incident where Russian personnel boarded a Greenpeace ship. The amount is less than the 7 million originally sought by Greenpeace and the Netherlands, and half the amount awarded at arbitration.Submitted by … Continue reading “Netherlands, Russia resolve dispute over Greenpeace Arctic Sunrise arrests”

Queen Máxima works through her 48th birthday after Ethiopia visit

After a busy week that included a working trip to Africa, Queen Máxima celebrated her 48th birthday on Friday. She has been queen of the Netherlands for just over six years, after King Willem-Alexander’s mother Beatrix abdicated on April 30, 2013. The King and Queen were scheduled to attend an event on Friday commemorating 100 … Continue reading “Queen Máxima works through her 48th birthday after Ethiopia visit”

Ivana Smit family to file civil suit in U.S. over model’s suspicious death

The family of Dutch model Ivana Smit is filing a civil lawsuit in the United States against the American couple who were present when she died in Kuala Lumpur. Through the lawsuit, the family hopes to be able to question the couple, the family’s lawyer Sebas Diekstra said on talk show M on Thursday. Submitted by … Continue reading “Ivana Smit family to file civil suit in U.S. over model’s suspicious death”

Dutch tighten breast implant policy amid cancer danger

The Netherlands will not ban breast implants with a rough surface amid concerns that they may increase the risk of a rare form of lymph node cancer. But the Dutch government will tighten the rules for the use of implants in breast reconstruction and breast enlargements in an effort to make sure that all women … Continue reading “Dutch tighten breast implant policy amid cancer danger”

Dutch MP arrested with Palestinian flag in Jerusalem, party says

Tunahan Kuzu, the parliamentary leader for pro-diversity party DENK, was arrested in Jerusalem on Friday, the party said. He was walking through the city with a Palestinian flag when he was addressed by Israeli soldiers. They arrested him as well as a number of DENK employees, the party said on Facebook.Submitted by Janene Pieters on … Continue reading “Dutch MP arrested with Palestinian flag in Jerusalem, party says”

Non-Dutch make up 3.6% of Netherlands’ 13.5m EU voters

Approximately 13.5 million residents of the Netherlands are eligible to vote in the European Parliament elections next week. 3.6 percent of this group do not have Dutch nationality, but are EU citizens, Statistics Netherlands reported on Friday based on population figures from 1 January 2019. Submitted by Janene Pieters on May 17, 2019 – 12:00

UN envoy begs Netherlands to bring back kids from Syria, Iraq

The Netherlands must “show grace and mercy” and bring back the children of Dutch jihadists in Iraq and Syria as quickly as possible, the special UN envoy for Children in Armed Conflicts, Virginia Gamba, said during a visit to The Hague on Thursday. The fact that these kids and their mothers are now just left … Continue reading “UN envoy begs Netherlands to bring back kids from Syria, Iraq”

Police investigating death of elderly Hague woman, 91

The police launched an investigation into the death of a 91-year-old woman from The Hague. The elderly woman’s body was found in her home on Erasmusweg on May 8th. The police can’t rule out a crime, so a large-scale investigation team as established to work on this case, NU.nl reports The police already spoke to … Continue reading “Police investigating death of elderly Hague woman, 91”

Voting still too difficult for people with disabilities

People with disabilities in the Netherlands still experience difficulties when going to cast their votes. After the Provincial States elections the voting hotline of the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights received 188 reports about the accessibility of polling stations, compared to 148 reports after the municipal elections in 2018, NOS reports.Submitted by Janene Pieters on … Continue reading “Voting still too difficult for people with disabilities”

100,000 celebrate Ajax without major incident

Over 100 thousand people gathered on Museumplein in Amsterdam on Thursday to celebrate Ajax’s 34th Eredivisie title and the team making it to the semi-finals of the Champions League. The party happened with no major incidents. A total of 26 people were arrested or various reasons, NU.nl and RTL Nieuws report.Submitted by Janene Pieters on May … Continue reading “100,000 celebrate Ajax without major incident”

The Hague also pulls out of regulated cannabis experiment

The municipality of The Hague will likely not participate in the government’s regulated cannabis cultivation experiment. In a letter to the city council, Mayor Pauline Krikke wrote that the conditions of the experiment are unworkable – specifically the condition that all coffeeshops in participating municipalities have to participate in the experiment, NOS reports.Submitted by Janene … Continue reading “The Hague also pulls out of regulated cannabis experiment”

Fugitive denies putting crime writer on hit list

Fugitive criminal Ridouan Taghi denies that he put crime writer Pieter R. de Vries on a hit list. In a personal message to De Vries, the wanted criminal said that doesn’t have anything against De Vries and that the crime reporter can go wherever he wants, De Vries reported on witter. “I am relieved and I … Continue reading “Fugitive denies putting crime writer on hit list”

Explosion-hit Hague building owned by criminal’s dad: report

The building on Hoefkade in The Hague hit by an explosion on Thursday morning, belongs to the father of Hague criminal Reda N. He owns the travel agency in the building and rents space to a hair salon, the man himself confirmed to Omroep West. The explosion happened at around 1:30 a.m. It caused significant damage … Continue reading “Explosion-hit Hague building owned by criminal’s dad: report”

Intelligence service investigating Huawei espionage in Netherlands: report

Dutch intelligence and security service AIVD is investigating whether Chinese technology company Huawei has been involved in espionage in the Netherlands, due to concerns that the company has a hidden backdoor to customer data at one the Netherlands’ three largest telecom providers – VodafoneZiggo, KPN or the merger of T-Mobile and Tele2, the Volkskrant reports. The AIVD would not … Continue reading “Intelligence service investigating Huawei espionage in Netherlands: report”

Groningen to get a tiny house neighborhood

Groningen will soon have a little tiny-house neighborhood at Westpark. The first of the up to 30 tiny, energy-neutral and sustainable houses are expected to be built by the end of the year, Dagblad van het Noorden reports. The municipality designated a small neighborhood for the tiny houses. Between 15 and 30 homes will be … Continue reading “Groningen to get a tiny house neighborhood”

Amsterdam preparing to celebrate Ajax’s 34th national title

The city of Amsterdam is getting ready to celebrate Ajax’s victory in the Eredivisie and the Amsterdam team’s great performance in the Champions League. For the first time since 2011, the celebration will be held on the Museumplein in the center of the city. The square opens to celebrators at 1:00 p.m., and the official … Continue reading “Amsterdam preparing to celebrate Ajax’s 34th national title”

Justice Ministry hiding serious crimes committed by asylum seekers: report

The Ministry of Justice and Security hid the number of serious crimes committed by asylum seekers in the Netherlands by including crimes like sexual offenses, aggravated assaults, and murder and manslaughter or attempts thereto under the heading of “other” in figures released to parliament, the Telegraaf reports.Submitted by Janene Pieters on May 16, 2019 – … Continue reading “Justice Ministry hiding serious crimes committed by asylum seekers: report”

Dutch mission in Iraq suspended over threat

The Dutch military training mission in Iraq was suspended due to an increased threat in the region. The nature of the threat is unknown. The commander of the international coalition that coordinates training in the region ordered the mission to stop, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense said to NU.nl. This temporary halt applies … Continue reading “Dutch mission in Iraq suspended over threat”

Amsterdam mayor won’t ban alcohol on canals

Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema will not ban alcohol on the city’s canals. Barely a week after such a ban was suggested by the city council, Halsema described it as undesirable and disproportionate.  “Measures [to combat nuisance] serve to enable Amsterdammers to enjoy their city freely. Only misconduct is curbed”, she said in a letter to … Continue reading “Amsterdam mayor won’t ban alcohol on canals”

Europe is about guaranteeing Netherlands safety: Dutch PM ahead of elections

In the run-up to the European Parliament elections next week, Prime Minister Mark Rutte is talking about his vision for Europe. According to the VVD leader, his ideas about that have shifted.  “Europe is market and currency, but a point has been added”, he said to Nieuwsuur on Wednesday night. That point is safety. Without … Continue reading “Europe is about guaranteeing Netherlands safety: Dutch PM ahead of elections”

Europe is about guaranteeing the Netherlands’ safety, Dutch PM says

In the run-up to the European Parliament elections next week, Prime Minister Mark Rutte is talking about his vision for Europe. According to the VVD leader, his ideas about that have shifted.  “Europe is market and currency, but a point has been added”, he said to Nieuwsuur on Wednesday night. That point is safety. Without … Continue reading “Europe is about guaranteeing the Netherlands’ safety, Dutch PM says”

Explosion heavily damages Hague building

An explosion caused significant damage to a building in The Hague during the early hours of Thursday morning, the police said on Twitter. As far as is known, no one was hurt. The blast happened at around 1:30 a.m. at a building located on the corner of Jan Blankenstraat and Hoefkade, near Hollands Spoor station. … Continue reading “Explosion heavily damages Hague building”

Former psych patient suspected in attempted rape in Amsterdam

A 27-year-old man who is suspected of an attempted rape at the NDSM wharf in Amsterdam in April, was living in an assisted living institution at the time, was revealed during a hearing on Monday. In September 2016, the man was convicted of a sex crime and sentenced to prison and institutionalized psychiatric treatment, NU.nl … Continue reading “Former psych patient suspected in attempted rape in Amsterdam”

Suspect in dog park murders sent for psychological examination

Thijs H., who is suspected of killing three people in dog walking areas in Scheveningen and Heerlen, was remanded into another 14 days of custody on Wednesday. The 27-year-old man from The Hague will be admitted to the Pieter Baan Center for psychological observation, the examining magistrate decided, NU.nl reports. H. is suspected of killing three … Continue reading “Suspect in dog park murders sent for psychological examination”

Dutch gov’t will no longer be “gullible” towards China in new strategy

Collaboration with China is of great importance to the Netherlands, but with that cooperation the Netherlands must pay attention to the ideological differences that exist between the two countries, the Dutch government said in its new ‘China strategy’. The 100-page long document outlines economic opportunities, but also concerns, NOS reports.Submitted by Janene Pieters on May … Continue reading “Dutch gov’t will no longer be “gullible” towards China in new strategy”

Change the way money is distributed among universities & technical universities: gov’t advice committee

The way in which money is distributed among universities and technical universities in the Netherlands needs to change, according to a new report. More money needs to go to technical courses, so they can keep up with the growing demand. And universities should be less dependent on student numbers for their money, the committee concluded.Submitted … Continue reading “Change the way money is distributed among universities & technical universities: gov’t advice committee”

Dutch researchers find serious vulnerability in Intel chips

Researchers from the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam found a serious security vulnerability in commonly used processor chips made by Intel. The vulnerability makes it possible to read data processed by these CPUs. “Everything that the CPU actively uses can be leaked”, researcher Herbert Bos said to NU.nl. “So that’s everything you do on your computer.”Submitted … Continue reading “Dutch researchers find serious vulnerability in Intel chips”

Silent march for dog park murder victims canceled at families’ request

A silent march for a man and woman found murdered in Brunssummerheide last week that was scheduled for Friday, has been canceled, the municipality of Heerlen said on Facebook. The families of the 68-year-old man and 63-year-old woman said that they are not prepared to handle a silent march yet.Submitted by Janene Pieters on May … Continue reading “Silent march for dog park murder victims canceled at families’ request”

Dutch PM criticizes populist politician’s “irresponsible” Nexit views

Forum voor Democratie leader Thierry Baudet is taking an “irresponsible risk with our security, our stability, and our prosperity” with his positive attitude towards the Netherlands leaving the European Union, VVD leader and Prime Minister Mark Rutte said in a speech about Europe on Tuesday, NOS reports.Submitted by Janene Pieters on May 15, 2019 – 08:44

Police fire warning shots in highway chase; 4 suspects at large

The police fired warning shots on the A67 highway at the De Hogt junction near Veldhoven early on Wednesday morning. One person was arrested on the highway. This person fled after the police stopped a truck with foreign license plates. Four others are still on the run, NOS reports. The police pulled the truck over … Continue reading “Police fire warning shots in highway chase; 4 suspects at large”

Car fires leading to more and more damage claims

Dutch insurers are getting more and more damage claims related to car fires. Last year there were 4,359 such claims, a 9 percent increase compared to the 4,014 car fire claims in 2017, RTL Nieuws reports based on the latest figures from the Dutch Association of Insurers. Submitted by Janene Pieters on May 15, 2019 – … Continue reading “Car fires leading to more and more damage claims”

Netherlands’ climate goals achievable by closing 3 coal plants: study

The Netherlands could still achieve the emission reduction goals set in the so-called Urgenda ruling, if it closes three almost new coal-fired power stations at the start of next year, research agency CE Delft concluded in a study done at the request of Natuur & Milieu, Greenpeace and the Lung Fund. Closing the coal plants … Continue reading “Netherlands’ climate goals achievable by closing 3 coal plants: study”

Rotterdam Blitz commemorated on 79th anniversary of WWII bombardment

On Tuesday Rotterdam commemorated the 79th anniversary of the Rotterdam Blitz, the German bombardment of the city during the Second World War. “We are still for two minutes. Out of respect for the biggest sacrifice that a person can make: his or her life”, Rotterdam mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb said about the two minutes of silence. “They did that for our … Continue reading “Rotterdam Blitz commemorated on 79th anniversary of WWII bombardment”

Investigative reporter says he’s on wanted fugitive’s hit list

Crime reporter Pieter R. de Vries said on Tuesday that he is on the hit list of still fugitive criminal Ridouan Taghi. According to De Vries, Taghi wants him murdered because of statements he made about the man, he said to the Telegraaf. “The only thing I can do now is to publicize this”, De Vries … Continue reading “Investigative reporter says he’s on wanted fugitive’s hit list”

Crime writer says he’s on wanted fugitive’s hit list

Crime writer Pieter R. de Vries said on Tuesday that he is on the hit list of still fugitive criminal Ridouan Taghi. According to De Vries, Taghi wants him murdered because of statements he made about the man, he said to the Telegraaf. “The only thing I can do now is to publicize this”, De … Continue reading “Crime writer says he’s on wanted fugitive’s hit list”