Netherlands Says Motorcycle Gang Allowed To Fight Islamic State
The Netherlands announced this week that reports of motorcycle gangs fighting the Islamic State does not violate the law.
Dutch public prosecutor spokesman Wim de Bruin said that these motorcylists were not violating current Dutch law regarding fighting with foreign armies. Recent reports indicate members of the No Surrender motorcycle gang have traveled to northern Iraq to fight the Islamic State alongside Kurdish forces.
"Joining a foreign armed force was previously punishable, now it's no longer forbidden," De Bruin told the Associated Foreign Press. "You just can't join a fight against the Netherlands."
Although countries like the Netherlands and the U.S. are monitoring nationals to ensure they do not join the Islamic State, this specific case involving the No Surrender group is different because the three members have traveled to northern Iraq to fight against the Islamic State.
"The big difference with IS is that it's listed as a terrorist group," said De Bruin."That means that even preparing to join IS is punishable."
Recently, an American teenager was arrested in Chicago for trying to fly to Syria to join the Islamic State. He was stopped by airport security, and investigators discovered a note to his parents in his home, detailing why he wished to join the terrorist organization. The teen had also made several pro-Islamic State drawings that seemed to criticize U.S. foreign policy.
"First and foremost, please make sure not to to tell the authorities," the teen wrote. "For if this were to happen it will jeopardize not only the safety of us but our family as well."
"We are all witness that the western societies are getting more immoral day by day," he added.
