Dutch counterterrorist body to probe LTTE schools [October 06 2011]

The Dutch National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV) is to consider whether there is reason to take action against Saturday schools in the Netherlands run by the LTTE. The Sri Lankan Tamil separatist movement runs at least 21 such schools in the Netherlands, it was revealed earlier this week.  

The schools are not part of the state education system, but offer children lessons in Tamil culture out of regular school hours, Security Minister Ivo Opstelten told MPs.  

Mr Opstelten referred to the trial of five men charged with collecting funds for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which has been on the European list of terrorist organisations since 2006. When the court delivers a verdict, expected this month, the Public Prosecutor will raise the matter of closing the schools with the local authorities concerned.  

However, in response to a plea from the Christian Democrat party, the minister said the NCTV would investigate whether it is feasible to take action sooner. -Radio Netherlands