Free Press Criminalised?

• Date: 14 January
• Time: 17:00 - 18:30
• Location: Nieuwspoort

Between Dreams and Deeds, Laws Stand in the Way

The democratic rule of law is under increasing pressure. New legislation and political proposals are touching the very core of our freedoms. Recent initiatives — such as a motion in the Dutch House of Representatives designating antifa as a terrorist organisation, proposals to restrict the right to protest, plans to limit the use of the Open Government Act (Wet open overheid), and a bill criminalising the glorification of terrorism — raise fundamental questions. Where is the line between security and freedom? And who gets to decide where that line lies?

Criminalising dissemination

The bill that seeks to criminalise the glorification of terrorism could have far-reaching consequences for journalists, publishers and activists. Since 2016, the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) has advocated for criminalisation; the outgoing cabinet revived the proposal last summer. Not only the act of glorification itself, but also the dissemination of allegedly glorifying expressions and public expressions of support would become punishable offences.

International practice shows what the consequences may be. In Spain, France and the United Kingdom, journalists are already being prosecuted under anti-terrorism legislation. Is the criminalisation of journalism now also looming in the Netherlands?

Panel discussion – 14 January 2026

On 14 January 2026, the Coalition for Free Expression (Coalitie voor het Vrije Woord) and Nieuwspoort will organise a panel discussion on these developments. Moderated by journalist and documentary maker Leonard Ornstein, experts from journalism, the legal profession and politics will engage in conversation.

Panel members:

• Tamara Buruma – Lawyer, Prakken d’Oliveira

• Thomas Bruning – Secretary, Dutch Association of Journalists (NVJ)

• Ingrid Michon-Derkzen – Member of Parliament (VVD)

• Jeltje Straatman – Member of Parliament (CDA)

The introduction will be delivered by Benthe Priester (Free Press Unlimited).

Following the discussion, a 9-point action plan for the protection, support and strengthening of journalism will be presented.

Practical information

• Date: 14 January 2026

• Doors open: 16:30

• Start: 17:00

• Location: International Press Centre Nieuwspoort, The Hague

Coalition for Free Expression

The Coalition for Free Expression is firmly committed to safeguarding and strengthening freedom of speech and visual expression, as well as the democratic rule of law. The Coalition brings together organisations and institutions that actively seek to protect, reinforce and defend these core values.

Show on map