THE NETHERLANDS/SINT MAARTEN – The Court in The Hague ruled today in the case of Cornelius de Weever against Andre Bosman that Bosman acted illegal and committed a tortious act by making in short unfounded and defamatory statements against de Weever. However, Bosman does not have to rectify.

 

Sint Maarten Independent Member of Parliament (MP) Cornelius de Weever brought a case against Dutch MP of the Second Chamber of the Dutch parliament Andre Bosman with respect to defamatory statements of being bought out to join the current United People’s (UP) party led coalition government.

 

The legal team representing De Weever released the following statement on behalf of their client.

 

“I am glad with the outcome that I consider a victory for righteousness and principles.

 

The Court established that Bosman acted illegal and committed a tortious act by making in short unfounded and defamatory statements against me. Statements that are factually not supported by, and also not within the context of, his allegations about integrity on Sint Maarten, Heyliger and forming a certain coalition. Moreover, that Bosman, who suddenly alleges that the media misquoted him, cannot hide behind his parliamentary immunity to make baseless public claims.  

 

Although I did not get the desired direct rectification by Bosman, the mere publicity that this ruling will get sets the record straight that Bosman's allegations were unfounded, tortious that he should have known better. Since Bosman refused, although given ample opportunity, to do the responsible thing and rectify voluntarily, I had to resort to the Court that rightfully established that Bosman acted wrongful and illegal. 

 

I believe that this ruling will further help to pave the way to -more- civilized, respectful, objective dialogue between the government representatives within our Dutch Kingdom, based on concrete facts instead of innuendo, rumours and make say.

 

This is ultimately the only way that we can resolve the many issues that face our communities. Gone should be the days of making unfounded sensational accusations, obviously for local political gain in the homeland, at the expense of the character and integrity of others. 

 

Bosman will be granted the opportunity to voluntarily compensate the damages that I suffered because of his tortious acts, as determined by the Court. Just like I granted him the chance to rectify, instead of having a Court determine that he acted illegally.

 

Further legal procedures to collect the damages will be initiated, if he again fails to do the honorable thing. I thank my lawyers Bloem, Huisman, Ludwig, Bonapart, my family, friends and many supporters for their continued support.” 

 

 

Bosman: mixed feelings

 

The court in The Hague ruled today that the statements of Andre Bosman were unlawful. However it can not be determined that De Weever has suffered damage beacuse of these statements. Therefore the court declines the claim for damage compensation of de Weever. Furthermore De Weever has to pay the legal costs.

 

Dutch MP Andre Bosman (VVD) says he has mixed feelings about today's court ruling.

He is satisfied with the ruling, but also feels restricted as a member of the Second Chamber. "As a politician it is my duty to be critical about things in the Kingdom and make them public. That will be more difficult because of this ruling", according to Bosman.  

 

 

 

Vonnis in kort geding Rechtbank Den Haag in zaak De Weever versus Bosman d.d. 3 april 2015

 

 

 

Related articles:

- De Weever and Bosman stand face-to-face in Dutch court