May 19, 2006

Verdonk backs down; Ayaan will retain Dutch nationality

Good news from the Liberty and Justice blog: "Ayaan Will Be Dutch, No Matter What":

NOS Journaal reports that both the international pressure and national pressure in support of Ayaan has worked. Minister of Integration Rita Verdonk announced tonight that Ayaan Hirsi Ali will receive a Dutch nationality, no matter the outcome of the investigation Parliament demanded Verdonk to conduct.

Coincidentally, Verdonk was heavily scrutinized today in a ministers-meeting. Balkenende specifically mentioned the harm Verdonk did to the image of the Netherlands (of the Netherlands not being tolerant, etc.).