Dutch activist who scolded Filipino cop detained

PO1 Joselito Sevilla INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Immigration authorities have detained a Dutch activist photographed confronting a police officer during a rally last month against President Benigno Aquino III, a lawyer said.

Lawyer Rey Cortez said airport immigration staff prevented Thomas van Beersum from boarding his plane to the Netherlands early Tuesday.

Cortez said his 20-year-old client was just being harassed by requiring him to obtain a “clearance” to leave the country.

Beersum has said in an open letter that he joined left-wing demonstrators because he was outraged by alleged human rights violations in the country, including the killing of a Dutch aid worker last year.

Many Filipinos have denounced Beersum for interfering in Philippine affairs.

Spokesmen for the Bureau of Immigration and the Dutch Embassy could not be reached for comment.