Online Release of 425,000 Names of Suspected Nazi Collaborators Sparks Debate in Netherlands

Tue Oct 21 2025 22:11:17 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The Dutch National Archives' decision to publish the names of those suspected of Nazi collaboration during WWII raises important discussions on historical accountability and privacy concerns.

Approximately 425,000 names linked to suspected Nazi collaborators in the Netherlands have been published online, providing researchers and families access to historical records while prompting debates over privacy and sensitivity relating to the country's wartime past.

The Dutch National Archives has made an unprecedented move by publishing the names of around 425,000 individuals suspected of collaborating with the Nazis during the German occupation in World War II. This online release marks the first time these names have been accessible outside of the archival institution in The Hague, where historical insights into the occupation, which lasted from 1940 to 1945, previously required a personal visit.

According to the Huygens Institute, which played a crucial role in digitizing these records, the archive opens significant pathways for individuals researching the complex narratives of the Dutch occupation. Among those evaluated in the Special Jurisdiction set up in 1944, over 150,000 faced legal repercussions for their affiliations, with files available on various groups, including war criminals, around 20,000 Dutch service members in the German armed forces, and alleged members of the National Socialist Movement (NSB).

While the online database includes the names, birth dates, and places of the suspects, it does not indicate whether they were found guilty or the nature of their suspected collaboration. Instead, users can find reference files for further inquiries at the National Archives. Accessing these files requires a declaration of legitimate interest and limits on making copies.

However, the release of such sensitive information has stirred concern within Dutch society. Individuals like Rinke Smedinga, whose father was involved with the NSB, have expressed apprehension about potential backlash resulting from this publication. He emphasized the need for proactive measures to manage public reactions, suggesting that a social experiment of sorts may unfold as a result of the archive's accessibility.

Tom De Smet, the director of the National Archives, acknowledged the need for compassion towards the relatives of both collaborators and victims, while he supported the view that open discussion could help break the societal taboo surrounding collaboration during the war. Culture Minister Eppo Bruins reiterated the importance of transparency, particularly in confronting the painful aspects of the nation's history.

Despite privacy concerns regarding the sensitive nature of the information, Bruins expressed a desire to amend laws that would further facilitate the disclosure of historical data. As noted, the online database does not include names of individuals who may still be living. The conversation surrounding this massive digital archive is expected to continue, as many seek to reckon with the truths of the past.