A significant archive revealing the names of suspected Nazi collaborators during the German occupation of the Netherlands has been digitized and published online, providing a vital resource for researchers yet sparking debates over privacy and sensitivity.
425,000 Names of Suspected Nazi Collaborators Released Online
425,000 Names of Suspected Nazi Collaborators Released Online
The Dutch National Archives has made public the names of around 425,000 individuals suspected of collaboration during the Nazi occupation, raising both interest and concern over privacy and historical accountability.
The Dutch National Archives has launched an online database containing the names of approximately 425,000 individuals suspected of collaborating with the Nazis during the German occupation from 1940 to 1945. This initiative offers unprecedented access to information that was previously only available on-site at the archives in The Hague. More than 150,000 of those listed faced some punishment as a result of their collaboration, which was investigated through a special legal system instituted toward the end of World War II.
The digitization effort, supported by the Huygens Institute, aims to break down barriers for researchers interested in the complexities of the occupation period. "This archive contains important stories for both present and future generations," the Institute noted, emphasizing the significance for families and historians alike. The records include files on war criminals and those who enlisted in the German armed forces as well as members of the National Socialist Movement (NSB), the Dutch Nazi party. Notably, the database also includes names of individuals later confirmed to be innocent.
Though the online archive lists only names, dates, and birthplaces, further details regarding the specific allegations or the outcomes of investigations can be obtained by visiting the National Archives. Accessing the full records requires declaring a legitimate interest in the content.
However, the publication has sparked concerns regarding personal data and historical sensitivity. Rinke Smedinga, whose father was associated with the NSB, expressed worries about potential harsh reactions to the revealed information. In response to these concerns, Tom De Smet, director of the National Archives, acknowledged the sensitivity of the topic, stating the hope that making the archives accessible could help diminish the taboo surrounding collaboration.
Culture Minister Eppo Bruins underscored the importance of transparency in confronting the Netherlands’ challenging history. In a letter to parliament, he remarked that openness is vital for the societal processing of the shared past. However, he also emphasized that privacy constraints would govern the extent of information available online, indicating plans to refine laws to allow the disclosure of even more historical data in the future. Notably, the online database excludes names of individuals who may still be alive today.
