Dutch politician files complaint against racism, sexism

Dutch TV personality and neo politician Sylvana Simons on Tuesday announced she would issue a declaration with the police against "racist, sexist, and discriminatory comments" following her entry to the political movement DENK.

"It is time that the public debate on racism moves into the political arena," Simons said in a press statement. "I consider it as my duty to file a complaint, because fighting injustice begins with reporting it."

"It is time that our society realizes that there is a clear red line: perpetrators of discrimination, sexism and racism will be traced and punished," Simons added. "This realization can only occur if all of us are brave enough to mention injustice."

Earlier this month, the TV personality agreed to join former Labor (PvdA) members of parliament (MPs) Tunahan Kuzu and Selcuk Ozturk, who founded the political party DENK. She hopes to enter the parliament after the next elections, scheduled for March 2017.

Since the announcement, Simons, a 45-year-old Dutch citizen born in Paramaribo, Suriname, received a lot of racist and other comments, especially through social media.

"The responses are typical of what many men, women, Muslims, Jews, ethnic minorities, migrants, people with disabilities, older people and gay people experience day in, day out on the job, at the market, at school or on the street," Simons added. "It is of the utmost importance that this climate of intolerance is contested."

The national politicians reacted to the racist comments. Prime Minister Mark Rutte said: "Disgusting, these reactions stand in the way of a normal debate."

"It's the most disgusting form of racism," said Deputy Prime Minister Lodewijk Asscher. "I hope it leads to prosecution."

The Dutch public prosecutor had earlier announced there would be an investigation into the statements against Simons. Endit