On Sunday, politicians reacted fiercely and extremely indignantly to an action by Forum for Democracy MP Gideon van Meijeren against SBS6 political journalist Merel Ek. In a new YouTube series she intimidates her as a “sewer reporter”.
Mark Rutte says the Forum for Democracy hit a “new low” on Sunday. “In a democracy, journalists should be able to do their jobs without being discredited,” tweeted the prime minister.
Deputy Prime Minister Sigrid Kaag also doesn’t have a good word for Van Meijeren’s action. “Whenever you think the bottom is in sight, it turns out it’s worse and more dangerous. Misinformation and intimidation undermine society,” tweeted Kaag.
In the episode, Van Meijeren attacks the reporter Ek for his use of the word liquidation. In a previous question to MP FVD, in response to his political leader Thierry Baudet’s much-discussed reptile statement, Ek provided an explanation of the term that turned out to be incorrect.
In a comment to Twitter and in the conversation with Van Meijeren he admits it. He adds that the point he wanted to make is still valid. “Words can be interpreted in many ways.”
NVJ is investigating whether legal action is possible
Besides the ministers, several parliamentarians also do not have a good word for this. “It’s been a sad week with one low point after another. Now journalism has to pay the price,” tweeted GroenLinks party chairman Jesse Klaver.
ChristenUnie party chairman Gert-Jan Segers says this is “threatening” “for the safety of journalists, for free speech, for our democracy”. “Terrifying. Unacceptable.”
Thomas Bruning of the Dutch Association of Journalists (NJV) defines the way in which Van Meijeren approaches the journalist as deeply sad. “Especially because he is a parliamentarian and announces that this is the beginning of a series. Indeed, he threatens: ‘Attention journalists’. Actions of this type undermine the role of journalist”.
The NVJ is investigating whether legal action can be taken. Bruning wants to discuss this with the chief editors of SBS and Ek.
Forum for Democracy is not yet available for comment.
