The cabinet wants more forms of espionage activities to be punishable. Now, the violation of state or business secrets is punishable, along with endangering national security and the safety of persons.
The prison sentence for, for example, collecting and delivering packages, following people, committing sabotage and other activities for foreign governments that “endanger serious Dutch interests” will be six years in the bill.
“We must protect the unique knowledge of the business community, our educational institutions and knowledge institutes,” said Minister Yesilgöz of Justice and Security. “That also applies to the specific knowledge and technology in vital sectors, such as telecom. We also have to protect people who are victims of foreign espionage activities.”
Influence
Under the new law, it will also become a criminal offense to exert influence and pressure on behalf of foreign governments on people from those countries who live here in the Netherlands.
It should be made clear in the new law that normal exchange of information is not punishable as in journalism, science, and diplomatic or ordinary business activities. Yesilgöz: “That is different if, for example, the capacity of a scientist is abused as a cover for espionage activities.”
The legislative text is now being submitted to the Council of State, which will issue a legal opinion on it.
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