Volunteers Detained for Peaceful Pro-Life Leafleting
Volunteers from the Christian pro-life group Kies Leven have repeatedly been detained while peacefully distributing leaflets outside abortion clinics in the Netherlands. The group insists their presence is non-confrontational and aimed at offering support to women.
Since late 2024, multiple volunteers for Kies Leven have been arrested for handing out leaflets near abortion clinics in cities including Utrecht, Den Bosch, and others. Dirkje Slingerland, was arrested in Utrecht after handing out just one leaflet and Kies Leven spokesperson Kees van Helden stated, “She distributed only one leaflet; there was no aggressive behaviour, and nothing was captured on camera.” Other cases include volunteers in Den Bosch, whose arrests were described by observers as “humiliating and intimidating.”
According to the reports, the volunteers action focused on offering support and information to pregnant women, no incidents of coercion or harassment were reported. The repeated enforcement against them has caused a climate of fear among volunteers, prompting discussions about using bodycams to document their actions and avoid further legal consequences.
The repeated arrests of Kies Leven volunteers highlight serious concerns about balancing public order with the fundamental right of freedom of expression and freedom of religion.
In these cases, authorities have cited vague “disturbance of public order” claims without clear evidence of harassment or intimidation. This creates a chilling effect: volunteers feel powerless and hesitant to engage in lawful advocacy or share their beliefs in public spaces.
Source: rd.nl (1); rd.nl (2); rd.nl (3); cvandaa.nl
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