“Dismay and horror” characterized the first reaction of the Dutch bishops to the “brutal assassination of Pim Fortuyn”, the far-right political leader killed at Hilversum (Amsterdam) on 6 May. In a communiqué issued a few hours after his murder, the Dutch Episcopal Conference appealed to the country, now approaching the general elections, “to reflect on the growing violence in society” and also expressed “condolence and compassion” to the victim’s family, friends and relations.
