FvD MP Gideon van Meijeren’s intimidation of a journalist was “unreasonable and outrageous,” Chamber President Vera Bergkamp said in a statement.

Yesterday Forum published a video on YouTube calling political reporter Merel Ek a “channel journalist”. Among other things, you can see that Van Meijeren addresses the SBS reporter with a rotating camera because he believes that she made a mistake in an interview with him. Ek makes it clear that she doesn’t want to be a part of his video, but filming continues.

“No one should be mugged with a rotating camera in or near their office,” says Bergkamp. “Let alone that secret recordings are made.” The Speaker of the House of Representatives says he is investigating whether “the rules should and can be tightened”.

To express

It is not clear from the statement which rules are involved. Journalists are not allowed into an MP’s office with a rotating camera and must report if they are taking pictures.

Bergkamp also says she takes the matter very seriously and has also informed Van Meijeren. After the video was released yesterday, a number of cabinet members and MPs condemned the forum’s conduct.

Prime Minister Rutte spoke of a new low. “In a democracy, journalists should be able to do their job without being discredited.”