Dutch Fortuyn's Misfortune

Tarun · May 10, 2002

Monday, 6 May, 2002, 21:43 GMT 22:43 UK

Dutch far-right leader shot dead

Mr Fortuyn had just finished interview

Dutch right-wing politician Pim Fortuyn has been shot dead.

Fortuyn, 54, was attacked as he left radio studio in central Dutch city of Hilversum. He was shot six times, suffered multiple wounds in head, chest, neck, and died shortly after.

It is deeply tragic for our democracy

Acting Prime Minister Wim Kok

Police said they had arrested white Dutch man in relation to killing, but no motive has yet been established.

Maverick politician, who had been campaigning on anti-immigration ticket, was expected to do well in general elections in nine days' time, picking up at least 15% of vote.

After emergency session, Dutch Government called halt to political campaigning - decision on whether poll will go ahead is to be taken on Tuesday.

'Tragic'

BBC correspondent Will Horsley said killing will raise political tensions not only in Netherlands, but potentially in many parts of Europe, where issues of immigration, race relations and nationalism have come to centre of political debate.

About 300 people gathered outside parliament building in Hague to express their anger at killing.

Mr Kok broke off campaigning to return to official capital, Hague.

"This is deeply tragic first of all for him and for all his loved ones. It is also deeply tragic for our democracy," he said.

Ad Melkert, leader of governing socialists, said shooting was "appalling".

"It's hard to grasp this can happen in Netherlands. Dutch democracy has lost its innocence," he told NOS television.

International reaction

Politicians across Europe joined in condemning assassination.

Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt said he believed something like this was "impossible in this day in age, in European Union, in 21st Century".

It was shocking for many people

His British counterpart Tony Blair warned against violently targeting politicians, regardless of their political beliefs.

Far-right parties have also expressed strong sentiments.

Expressing his shock, Bruno Megret, head of France's right-wing National Republican Movement (MNR), said:

"If it was politically motivated, this criminal act shows to what extent certain hysterical positions like those shown by French left over past 15 days can incite hatred."

Gunman 'chased'

Eyewitnesses say single gunman shot Fortuyn as he got into chauffeur-driven limousine in media park where radio station is located.

Paramedics treated Mr Fortuyn on scene

Television reporter Dave Abspoel said 4 people chased gunman, who apparently fired in their direction.

But BBC's Geraldine Coughlan in Hague says it would have been difficult to gain access to media park, where several TV and radio studios are located, sans going through tight identity and security checks.

She said Dutch media and politicians have reacted with shock to attack which is unprecedented in Dutch politics.

Threats

In interview last week, Fortuyn expressed fears he could be victim of attack and said he had received threats by phone, e-mail and letter.

Few weeks ago, protesters threw two cream pies laced with urine in his face.

Although most Dutch politicians travel w/o any personal security, and often use public transport, Fortuyn did use private bodyguards, though he could not afford constant security.

Fortuyn had provoked public indignation by calling for Netherlands' borders to be closed to immigrants and by describing Islam as 'backward' religion.

Fortuyn said, if he was successful in 15May elections, he would only be satisfied with post of PM and would not accept place in cabinet.

WATCH/LISTEN ON THIS STORY

BBC's Nicholas Jones "His death has thrown election into confusion"

BBC's Paulo Buonadanna "He had superficially attractive message"

Pim Fortuyn's spokesman, Warmer Dam "I'm not sure what future will bring"

Willem Kool, De Telegraaf "I wouldn't brand Pim Fortuyn as racist"