The Netherlands clashes with the US, strike and lawsuits (Wednesday, June 24)

Minister Sjoerdsma is in Washington for talks about the American MATCH Act. He says that countries should decide on export regulations themselves. The Netherlands fears that the US will otherwise decide on deliveries from ASML to China.

On Wednesday, between 4:00 AM and 8:00 AM, almost no trains, metros, and trams ran. FNV and CNV staged a nationwide strike against cuts to social security. After 8:00 AM, NS still expects delays due to startup problems and heat.

The 19-year-old suspect of the fatal accident near Terhole remains in custody for thirty days. The court rejected his request to be released on conditions. Three children and a school director died in the accident.

The Public Prosecution Service demands a life sentence against 66-year-old Eugène N. in The Hague. According to the prosecution, he led the murder in the Byiza stadium in 1994. About 3,000 Tutsis died there. N. denies this, and the court will decide on August 28.

The Public Prosecution Service demands twelve months in prison against former mayor Herman J., four months suspended. The prosecution says he was quickly arrested in February after chats about sex with children. He is suspected of possessing and distributing child pornography, and of sexual abuse.