nuOct 2, 2026, 13:56

Public Prosecution Service drops case regarding death threats against Lale Gül: 'Completely abandoned'

The Public Prosecution Service has dropped a criminal case involving a death threat made against author Lale Gül in Utrecht. Gül expressed disbelief and anger over the decision, arguing that sufficient evidence existed and that she has been failed by the legal system.

Author Lale Gül has expressed deep frustration after the Public Prosecution Service decided to drop a case regarding a death threat made against her in Utrecht last November. Despite initial indications that the case would proceed to court and that the perpetrator had been identified, the prosecution ultimately cited insufficient evidence. Gül revealed that a scheduled hearing was abruptly canceled due to time constraints, leading her to believe the matter would be rescheduled rather than dismissed entirely. She finds the decision baffling, noting that the threat was explicit and clearly documented.

Feeling abandoned by the justice system, Gül criticized the perceived lack of protection for citizens, even those with a public profile. She compared the dismissal of her case to other ongoing legal proceedings in the country, arguing that clear threats of violence should be prioritized. Since the publication of her 2021 debut novel, which critiqued her upbringing, the author has faced regular threats and has frequently filed police reports regarding online harassment. The Public Prosecution Service has confirmed the case is closed but has yet to provide further clarification.

Politics Culture Netherlands World

Read original ↗

Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Princess Amalia promoted to sergeant 9 months after appointment as corporal

Princess Amalia has been promoted to the rank of sergeant by the Royal Netherlands Navy after serving nine months as a corporal. The promotion took place on the Norwegian vessel Statsraad Lehmkuhl in Den Helder as part of her ongoing military internship.

The Greenhouse | I prefer to jump on the facts rather than the barricade

A climate journalist explores the tension between objective reporting and the pressure to advocate for systemic change to combat the climate crisis. The author concludes that journalists should remain factual rather than activist to effectively reach a wide and diverse audience.

NPO receives urgent letter from employees: 'Eurovision participation unacceptable'

NPO employees have sent a letter of protest against the broadcaster's decision to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, citing moral concerns. Several broadcasting unions are also demanding clarity on the funding and organizational processes behind the country's return to the competition.

Netherlands returns diamond from Rijksmuseum and other objects to Indonesia

The Netherlands is returning various historical artifacts, including the diamond of Banjarmasin, to Indonesia following evidence that they were acquired through involuntary loss during the colonial era. The official confirmation of the transfer took place in Amsterdam, with the objects expected to return to Indonesia early next year.

Jewish Boaz and Muslim Oumaima want to keep the dialogue going: "We must hold onto each other"

Jewish resident Boaz Cahn and Muslim resident Oumaima al Abdellaoui founded the Deel de Duif initiative to facilitate constructive dialogue about the Israel-Palestine conflict. By conducting workshops at various institutions, they aim to foster mutual understanding and challenge societal stereotypes despite rising tensions and political polarization.