Terror Suspect Arrested in Netherlands: Member of Right-Wing Nationalist Student Association GNSV and Far-Right Geuzenbond

A 24-year-old man suspected of preparing a right-wing terrorist attack has been arrested in the Netherlands, revealing ties to controversial far-right organizations. The arrest highlights growing concerns over extremist groups targeting youth and students. Authorities acted on intelligence indicating the suspect's willingness to commit violence and his possession of illegal firearms.

Details of the Arrest

The suspect was apprehended by police on Thursday, August 14, 2025, in Badhoevedorp, near Amsterdam, following a tip from the General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD). The AIVD reported that the man was prepared to engage in right-wing terrorist activities and had access to weapons. A subsequent raid at his registered address in the Brabant town of Erp uncovered prohibited firearms, ammunition, and materials for manufacturing weapon components.

The man appeared before an examining magistrate in Rotterdam on Friday, August 15, who ordered him to remain in custody for at least 14 days while investigations continue. The National Investigation and Intervention Service, under the Landelijk Parket, is leading the probe into charges of preparing a terrorist crime, illegal weapon possession, and manufacturing arms. Police conducted searches at multiple locations, including a former restaurant in Erp, to gather evidence.

Suspect's Affiliations

The suspect is a confirmed member of the Groot-Nederlandse Studentenvereniging (GNSV), a right-wing nationalist student association based in Nijmegen. He has actively participated in GNSV events, including manning their stall at Radboud University’s introduction market in 2023. It remains unclear if he is enrolled as a student at Radboud University, as the institution could not confirm his status.

During interrogations, the man admitted to being a member of the Geuzenbond, a far-right group classified as extreme by the National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism (NCTV). The GNSV was founded by members of the Geuzenbond, and there is significant personnel overlap between the two organizations. In June 2025, GNSV members, potentially including affiliates, placed flowers on the grave of Hans Janmaat, a notorious far-right Dutch politician convicted of inciting racial hatred in the 1990s.

Background on the Groups

The GNSV describes itself as a "conservative, color-wearing association for all Dutch students with a national sentiment." It promotes the "Greater Netherlands" ideology, advocating for the unification of the Netherlands and Flanders (Dutch-speaking Belgium) into a single nation-state, and supports traditional values such as marriage exclusively between men and women. The group has ties to the Flemish-nationalist NSV, which is linked to the far-right political party Vlaams Belang.

The Geuzenbond targets young people in the Netherlands and Belgium, operating as part of the "active clubs" network. These groups seek to normalize far-right extremist ideologies, including repopulation theories aimed at preserving the "white race," through physical training, online propaganda, and public demonstrations. The NCTV monitors the Geuzenbond for its use of symbols like the controversial Prince's Flag and its efforts to build resilience among adherents.

GNSV's presence at university events has been contentious. At Radboud University's 2023 introduction market, a brawl erupted between GNSV members and the left-wing Actiegroep Nijmegen, resulting in injuries and arrests—though no convictions followed. The group was set to participate in this year's event, but the university has not clarified if the arrest will affect their involvement. Critics, including researcher Marijke Naezer, have accused the university of platforming racism, xenophobia, and neofascism by allowing GNSV's participation.

Responses and Statements

GNSV Chairman Daan Meershoek expressed shock over the arrest in a press release, stating, "Violence has no place whatsoever in the democratic societal debate in which the GNSV participates." The association has suspended the suspect pending the outcome of his trial, emphasizing its rejection of political violence.

Authorities have not released further details on potential targets or the extent of the plot, but the case underscores the NCTV's ongoing vigilance against right-wing extremism in the Netherlands.

Related Developments

This incident follows a pattern of right-wing extremist activities in Europe, with the NCTV noting fluctuating waves of such violence in recent reports. The arrest comes amid broader concerns about youth radicalization through online and community-based groups.