Van slams into Dutch newspaper HQ in 'deliberate attack'
June 26, 2018
There may be a connection with a motorcycle gang suspected of using a rocket launcher to attack another newspaper's offices. Dutch daily De Telegraaf said it would not be intimidated.
Image: Getty Images/AFP/ANP/L. Bosch
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A minibus crashed into the Amsterdam head office of the Netherlands' largest newspaper by circulation, then burst into flames early on Tuesday in what police said was likely a deliberate act.
Offices of Dutch newspaper rammed by bus
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The white minivan crashed into the façade of De Telegraaf building on the outskirts of Amsterdam at 4:00 am (02:00 UTC). A suspect then fled the blazing vehicle in a dark-colored car, police said. No one was injured.
The newspaper's editor-in-chief, Paul Jansen, spoke of a "deliberate attack."
"We will not be intimidated," he said on local radio.
There is speculation that the attack on De Telegraaf may be connected with another last Thursday, in which an anti-tank weapon was used against a building housing a weekly newspaper in the same area. No one was hurt.
De Telegraaf's crime reporter Mick van Wely made the same connection on Twitter, writing: "Attack on the Telegraaf building. After Pijper Media, now we're affected too."
Authorities on Friday arrested a 41-year-old male suspect who is a member of the outlawed motorcycle gang Caloh Wagoh MC Main Triad in connection with that attack.
Enshrining media and information literacy in school curricula
In 2018, the Palestinian Ministry of Education, the NGO Pyalara and DW Akademie succeeded in making media and information literacy an integral part of Palestinian school curricula. Here are seven important steps taken.
Image: Pyalara
1. Find a committed and reliable partner
The basis for the development of a media and information literacy (MIL) curriculum is the partner organization's ties to the involved groups: young people, parents, teachers and school administrations. The local partner should be familiar with their needs and requirements and be aware of the type of content that can or cannot be created.
Image: Pyalara
2. Working together as equals
The development of a MIL curriculum is a lengthy process that can only lead to success in a close cooperation with partners. Mutual trust, respect for creative freedom and the concerted development of criteria ensure high quality standards.
Image: Pyalara
3. Continuing education
Digital technology and media use are developing rapidly. In order to stay up to date, ongoing training for those who develop the teaching material is essential.
Image: Pyalara
4. Strong local integration
Knowledge of local media use and habits are the basis for the development of authentic MIL materials. It is also important to include local examples and address the local media landscape.
Image: Pyalara
5. Regional networks
The fact that Arabic is the language of an entire region has great advantages because close networks ensure sustainability. Embedding the strategies locally is of great value. All across the Arab world, MIL is recognized as a key topic. This is an important time to be part of the development process. The exchange of experiences, e.g. at international conferences, opens up new possibilities.
Image: Pyalara
6. Well-thought out lobbyist activities
In order to build up sustainable projects, it helps to include official institutions, like ministries. Local partners should be encouraged to establish an ongoing dialogue with state institutions. DW Akademie’s mission is to contribute ideas to make sure that the exchange between partners, authorities and politics thrives.
Image: Pyalara
7. International knowledge exchange
An international exchange with teachers, MIL experts and educational institutions is the key to success. Also, educational trips to Germany strengthen the network and make it clear that there are mutual challenges and everyone benefits from cooperation. Exchange is not a one-way street.
