Dutch ex- Muslim leader in hiding after death threats

Ehsan Jami, chairman of the committee for ex-Muslims in the Netherlands has received dozens of death threats since he was beaten up last week by Islamic fanatics. His adviser, Afshin Ellian, said: “The telephone was ringing off the hook,” not only with death threats but also Arabic prayers were being shouted down the phone.

Ellian said that the police had asked for a full report so that they can begin an investigation into the threats. Jami was assaulted in Voorburg, where he lives, by three men of Muslim background. It was the third attack the 22-year-old Labour council member in Leidschendam-Voorburg has suffered in a matter of months.

Jami was in the news after he set up a committee for Muslims who have turned away from Islam. The young politician's address and telephone number were recently published on an Islamic website, which led to a flood of threats. Ehsan’s telephone number has now been changed.

Meanwhile, prominent Labour PvdA member Jos de Beus, professor of political science, has joined the support committee for ex-Muslims, as have columnist Theodor Holman, philosopher Paul Cliteur and at least 11 other well-known Dutch people.

The support committee plans to ask 150 people, including the party leaders in Parliament, to sign a statement soon. De Beus — an open critic of his own party — thinks that this topic is one that all parties should be concerned about. “I want to make one simple point: everyone should be able to believe what they like, and anyone who wants to stop believing should be able to do so freely and safely. I don't think is a little game on the part of neo-conservatives. It should be a part of the consensus in Europe.”

However. As this article shows, political leaders are in turmoil about whether or not to support the ex-Muslims.

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