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.   News for Sun. 05 May to Mon. 06 May 2002


Dutch Politician Shot to Death Ahead of Elections


VOA News
6 May 2002 19:58 UTC
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AP Photo
AP
Pim Fortuyn
(March 2002 file photo) 
An unidentified gunman has shot and killed right-wing Dutch politician Pim Fortuyn.

 Netherlands Prime Minister Wim Kok announced the death shortly after the shooting, calling it a tragedy for Mr. Fortuyn's loved ones and a tragedy for Dutch democracy.

 Officials say the attack occurred as the politician was leaving a radio station in the city of Hilversum following an interview. They say he was shot six times and suffered multiple wounds in the chest and neck. Reports say police chased and captured a man with a gun.

 The politician's self-styled Pim Fortuyn's List Party with its anti-immigrant platform scored a surprising success in Rotterdam in local government elections in March. It had been expected to do well in the May 15 parliamentary vote.

 Mr. Fortuyn had been critical of the Netherland's growing Muslim community and described Islam, in his words, as a backward culture.

 The 54-year-old former professor led an openly homosexual lifestyle. British Prime Minister Tony Blair expressed shock at the attack and canceled Tuesday's scheduled visit to the Netherlands.

 It is the first time in modern history that a Dutch political leader has been assassinated.
 
 

Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.

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World events are historic steps in the purpose and plan of God. The outcome of history is up to man - restricted only by sovereign limits imposed by God. The future events are consequences resulting from mankind exercising the gift of intelligence and free will in response to situations developing from past events. This human response is either synchronized to His Will or in rebellion to His Will. Behavior is either the manifestation of love or it's opposite - hate. As Christians we should be involved through loving (caring attitude and behavior for others) actions empowered by prayer, understanding, and submission to His Will.