Ban on paedophile organisation oversimplified

A civil court in the Dutch city of Assen on Wednesday banned the paedophile organisation Martijn on the grounds that it glorified sex with children and therefore violated the principles of the country's legal system. This argumentation is oversimplified, the left-liberal daily De Volkskrant contends: "Many things have been said about Martijn. That the members consult each other on child abuse and give each other tips about how to cover their tracks. That they supply each other with child pornography and incite rape. All these claims were investigated by the judiciary, but it all came to nothing. What remains is an organisation of people who believe sex with children should be allowed. … The views of Martijn, according to the judges, violate 'the rules and values generally accepted in Dutch society'. This is true. But without proof of crimes it is not sufficient cause for a ban. There are solid grounds for an appeal. In general our constitution is breached far too often - which is why the higher judges must deal with these issues."

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