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Opposition shocked by statements Prime Minister
04-09-2015 23:07
Prime Minister Rutte still stands behind its position that Jihad goers better in Syria or Iraq may die, then return to the Netherlands. He said Friday during his weekly press conference in response to a question from Frits Wester about the defection of an Air Force sergeant for Islamic State. The Prime Minister revealed the position for the first time during the RTL-election debate earlier this year.
Rutte said during the debate that he, as VVD leader and prime minister, believes that jihadists can better die, then come back to our country. Rutte's view has not changed since then: ,, It is not my desire, nor a policy of the government. But if people are so stupid to travel out to conflict with everything that we in the Netherlands are there to support the wrong fight, then I agree with this statement. That applies to everyone there who are going to participate in that fight. ''
On Thursday it was announced that a 26-year-old sergeant of the Royal Air Force has defected to IS. Rutte agreed Friday that his statement applies to him. The sergeant hangs falling under military law, a life sentence over the head, according to the lawyers specialized in military affairs Michael Ruperti and Sebastien Diekstra.
Fuss in opposition
Rutte's statement has caused a stir in the opposition. Alexander Pechtold wants a parliamentary debate on the statements. ,, A prime minister must never be lazy to go along with the rhetoric to talk-but always stick to the principle that prevails in a constitutional state: deserters we bring court-martialed and we punish, "said the disgruntled D66 leader.
GroenLinks, SP and the Christian Union are shocked by the verdict of Rutte. Emile Roemer even called the ruling "a premier unworthy." Arie Slob of the Christian Union condemns Rutte's statement: ,, This is a very inappropriate response to a prime minister. "
Rutte's own party, the VVD, has no problems with his statements. In response, says Mr Halbe Zijlstra: ,, That we thought then and we think still. Even when it comes to being traveled sergeant, he was allowed to fight for IS. There is no other conclusion is possible. "
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