The Island Governor of Bonaire, Edison Rijna, deputies Nina den Heyer and James Kroon and faction leader Elvis Tjin Asjoe of the largest party on the island have received death threats on Facebook. The attacker posted a message on the platform in which he placed $50,000 on their heads. The four politicians have filed a complaint.
Rijna says in a statement to have taken notice of the anonymous message with horror. The reason for the threat is not clear from the Facebook message.
“Within the rule of law that we are, there is every room for discussion about government policy and criticizing the administrators. But intimidating or, in this case worse, threatening persons, whether they are administrators or citizens, should never be tolerated said the governor.
Edison Rijna has been Island Governor of Bonaire since 2014. The position is comparable to that of mayor in the Netherlands.
Invitation for a conversation
Rijna emphasized that, according to him, the threat is not just a matter for the judiciary. “It is important that we as a society distance ourselves from cross-border expressions on social media.” He urged users not to share threatening messages. “Remove them immediately and address the sender about them.”
He went on to say that there is nothing wrong with big differences of opinion among the small population of Bonaire. “As long as we keep realizing that we need each other to make our island better for generations to come.” He calls for respectful interaction with each other.
The lieutenant governor concluded with an invitation to the threat. “Let’s make an appointment so you can tell me what’s bothering you.”
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