In the wake of reports that the previous government wanted to spy on Freedom Party leader Geert Wilders, the lower house of parliament has called on former foreign minister Maxime Verhagen for clarification.

Allegedly, Verhagen wanted the Dutch intelligence service (AIVD) to spy on Wilders in order to find out more about his controversial 2008 film Fitna.

On Monday evening, Dutch broadcaster Human reported that Verhagen suggested using the AIVD or Mr Wilder's government-supplied security detail to find out more information about the film and its proposed release date. Human based its report on information from two members of the previous cabinet; neither source was named.

The then interior minister, Guusje ter Horst, confirmed that it was suggested but refused to say who made the suggestion.

Verhagen and the current interior minister, Piet Hein Donner will answer questions on the matter in the lower house on Thursday.

D66 leader Alexander Pechtold says it's an extremely serious case if it's true and he also wants to know how the intelligence service deals with government requests to observe opposition politicians.
 

(jric)
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