On Twitter, Bergkamp posted the missive, in which the MP urged to take immediate and serious action to address this problem.

The parliament’s leader recalled that to ensure freedom of expression, it is necessary for Twitter to guarantee a safer online environment for all users.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives expressed deep concern about recent tweets directed at lawmakers showing videos or images with menaces, sometimes death threats, and calls for violence.

Such messages are probably punishable under Dutch criminal law, the official states.

Members of Parliament should exercise their duties without being exposed to such horrific threats on the internet, the legislator noted in the letter.

Bergkamp reminded Twitter that it has a responsibility to create a safe space for free expression and to ensure that people have safe, inclusive and authentic conversations. Such horrific videos and images shared on the internet undermine that policy, she added.

Threats to Dutch politicians have been increasing lately, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office claimed last week that it has never received as many complaints from national politicians as it did during 2022, mainly via Twitter and Instagram.

Geert Wilders, leader of the PVV party, has been the subject of frequent death threats on Twitter for over a decade and is deemed as the most threatened politician in the Netherlands, according to the Government.

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