Newsline 24 December 2009: Dutch troops in Afghanistan responsible for more than 100 civilian deaths; Laura Dekker's dream of sailing solo round the world is still alive; and a musical sample of the festive season here in the Netherlands.
Civilian deaths in Afghanistan
The Dutch television channel RTL news has obtained evidence that, it claims, shows that Dutch troops in Afghanistan have been responsible for more than 100 civilian deaths. Under freedom of information legislation, RTL was able to force the Ministry of Defence to hand over documents detailing both civilian deaths and compensation paid to civilians who were injured. It took two years of legal battling to obtain the information, which relates to actions by Dutch troops in the provinces of Uruzgan and Helmand. Radio Netherlands Worldwide's security and defence editor Hans de Vreij explains what the documents were - and how they answered the questions posed by RTL.
Dutch court keeps Laura's dream alive
A Dutch court has ruled that 14-year-old Laura dekker can remain with her father despite his support for her plan to sail solo around the world. The court was considering a request from the Child Care Bureau that she be placed in care, after she ran away from home last week. She had flown to the island of Saint Maarten in the Dutch Antilles and returned to The Netherlands on Tuesday. Listen to the latest news on this story, including an excerpt from a letter Laura left for her father when she ran away.
Read more on this story: I'll never come back, sailor girl wrote.
Dutch Christmas Tunes
It's Christmas Eve, which means many people around the world are busy with final preparations for the holiday season. Christmas songs are a vital part of the festive tradition, and we tend to listen to the same songs year in, year out. But for Dutch audiences, there are a few national Christmas songs as an alternative to the anglo-American standards heard in all parts of the globe. NL's Johan van Slooten has more.
Hear songs and view videos of popular Dutch Christmas tunes: dead rabbits and lonely prisoners.
Tune in tomorrow for a look back on the Dutch stories that made international headlines this year.
Email this Radio Show
Printer-friendly version
If one only looked at the headline one would think this was the tip of the iceburg and done with malice.
Far from the truth.Bad stuff happens during wars and pseudo wars. Some people died due to their own stupidity. When you face a gun and are told to stop for instance it normally is a good idea not to argue with a gun.
Post new comment
Please be reminded all comments must be in English, short and to the point - guideline 250 words. Abusive and inappropriate comments will be removed.