The Netherlands arrests 15 people; Syrians, on charges of promoting ISIS

The Dutch Public Prosecution Service announced the arrest of 15 people, including 4 minors, in raids carried out across the country on accusation of disseminating ISIS propaganda and inciting "terrorist acts" through social media platforms.

According to the Public Prosecution Service statement, 12 of those arrested are of Syrian nationality, while the other 3 are Dutch citizens. The suspects range in age from 16 to 53.

Initial investigations revealed that the detainees were active on TikTok and other online platforms, where they posted ISIS propaganda translated into Dutch. This included calls to join the group and glorification of suicide bombings. Some of the videos garnered over 100,000 views.

The Public Prosecution Service confirmed that the investigation began last year after receiving information about a suspicious TikTok account. The network's leader was arrested on January 20th.

The detainees were charged with inciting terrorist acts, disseminating propaganda for a terrorist organization, and belonging to a terrorist organization. Further arrests are possible in this ongoing case.

Syrians constitute the largest refugee group in the Netherlands, with approximately 150,000 people of Syrian origin residing there. More than 27,000 people received temporary residency permits in 2023, 55% of whom were Syrian, with many subsequently acquiring Dutch citizenship.