Prime Minister Rutte, other cabinet members and a large number of MPs condemned a Forum for Democracy video in which a political reporter was described as a “channel journalist”. The Prime Minister speaks of a new low. “In a democracy, journalists should be able to do their job without being discredited.”

FvD MP Gideon van Meijeren posted the video on social media with the text: “Activists who practice channel journalism can no longer get away with their lies, disinformation and fake news. Time for a counterattack.”

The YouTube video begins with the text “Sewer rats exposed” and an image of a rat. Van Meijeren can be seen walking past the offices of various Dutch news editors, noting that there is, in his opinion, “an incredible smell of sewage”.

He then turns the camera on SBS reporter Merel Ek, who indicates that she doesn’t want to be part of his video. Van Meijeren, who claims the camera was gone, attacks Ek in the video on an earlier definition she gave for the word liquidation.

Ek and Van Meijeren previously spoke to each other about words used by TV personality Johan Derksen about forum leader Baudet. Derksen was in Inside today told them to “liquidate this guy”. Derksen later said it was a slip of the tongue.

Ek had told Van Meijeren that liquidate can also mean “send away”, referring to the Dikke van Dale. However, this definition is not found in Van Dale and Van Meijeren sees in her words an attempt to spread disinformation in a targeted manner. In front of the camera, he demanded a correction.

Other reporters were shocked by the video tonight, noting that the forum is taking this approach because the party knows that naming the reporter on social media is intimidating. The Parliamentary Press Association notes this intimidation with great concern and intends to do all it can to support Ek.

Bond considers legal action

The journalists’ union NVJ also finds the action alarming and annoying in every respect. “Especially because he’s a member of parliament and he’s proclaiming that this is the start of a series. He actually threatens: ‘Beware journalists’. Such actions undermine the role of the journalist,” says General Secretary Thomas Brüning. He checks whether legal action can be taken.

Ek herself replies that the way Van Meijeren approached her was “not okay”. “In terms of content, I support the secretly filmed conversation. I shouldn’t have mentioned Dikke van Dale in an earlier interview with Gideon van Meijeren, because ‘send away’ actually wasn’t in it. My point was clear and remains: Words can be interpreted in different ways.” Ek says she’s always ready to talk about her work. “But the way that’s being done now goes too far.”

Cabinet members and MPs: subversive and threatening

In addition to Rutte, Ministers De Jonge and Kaag as well as State Secretary Van der Burg also agree. “Deliberately intimidating and undermining. Pure poison, this,” says De Jonge. “Disgusting, vicious and life-threatening,” says Van der Burg. “Every time you think ‘the bottom is in sight’, it turns out it’s getting worse and more dangerous,” Kaag replies. “This goes beyond party politics, it’s about our democracy.

In addition to the ministers, outrage is also spreading from the House of Representatives. “It’s been a sad week with one low after another,” says GroenLinks boss Klaver, probably referring to earlier comments by Baudet, who said the world is ruled by “evil reptiles” and who believes that Russian President Putin deserves support. “Now journalism has to pay the price.”

D66 party leader Paternotte speaks of incitement to hatred against a journalist. “Like so many of the forum’s actions, this threatens and undermines free society.” CU leader Segers also called Van Meijeren’s actions “a threat to the safety of journalists, to freedom of expression, to our democracy. scary. Unacceptable.”

FvD boss Baudet supports Van Meijeren and counters Rutte’s belief that the mainstream parties and the media work together. “It’s an association. The same people, the same ideas. Together they’re destroying the Netherlands,” he repeats the conspiracy theory he’s been talking about for years. “Only FvD lets the guys always shit mercilessly. That’s why they hate us. Which side are you on?” he asks his followers.