A Spiral of Violence

'Extremism strikes at the heart of the rule of law and democracy. And there are other alarming examples of intolerance and violence.

'What do they want from our school?'
'What do they want from our children?'

That was the dismayed reaction on television this morning of a woman who lives close to the Bedir primary school in Uden, which was hit by an arson attack on Tuesday evening.

We are all shocked.

You don't attack schools.
You don't attack mosques and churches.
You don't attack people who voice their opinions.

Everyone should be aware of the rules in this country.
No violence.

Freedom of expression, freedom of religion and other fundamental rights are the cornerstones of the rule of law and democracy. They apply to everyone, at all times.

We will not tolerate violence or threats by people and groups who challenge those fundamental rights. Anyone living in the Netherlands must respect those rights and accept our legal order completely and without exception.

That legal order is the only way to preserve our society peacefully, with all its different opinions, convictions and lifestyles.

The government has to be resolute in defending those fundamental rights. That is why we are taking firm measures. We are extending our system of security and stepping up investigations of people whose extreme behaviour and contacts pose a threat to the rule of law in our country.

We are also taking action against violence directed at mosques or Islamic schools. The culprits will not go unpunished. Yesterday, the government had talks with the Association of Netherlands Municipalities. We consider it our joint responsibility to maintain public safety. And if municipalities need our assistance, we shall provide it.

But there is more to be done. We must put every effort into achieving new, mutual trust. We must ensure that people do not turn to extremism.

It is our shared objective - both Muslims and non-Muslims - to prevent radicalisation among the young. Together we must work to build a tolerant society. A peaceful society which, as we have seen from the reactions of the past few days, is what we all want.

That is why we need a strong integration policy and to devote attention to active citizenship at school. A bill to this effect has been submitted to the Council of State, with a request for advice without delay.

We must not allow our heads to be turned by those who wish to draw us into a spiral of violence. Anyone who uses violence is always in the wrong.

A democratic state gives us much freedom to say and do what we want. But we must find the right balance between freedom and responsibility. We must ensure that, instead of talking about each other in loud voices, we talk to each other. Democracy is also about keeping up a dialogue.

I appeal in the strongest terms to everyone to help us achieve this. We want a society in which there is a place for everyone. And we have to stand firm together to achieve that.

I have just spoken to Her Majesty the Queen. She feels very closely involved and her sympathy goes out to those affected directly and to everyone who is concerned about what is happening in our country. Let us all turn our backs on extremism and work together to build a society that is for us all and of us all.'

Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende, November 9, 2004