Francken, other politicians receive death threats

Federal minister for work and consumer affairs Kris Peeters and CD&V party president Wouter Beke have revealed that they have received death threats in recent months. The announcements followed news that Theo Francken, federal minister for asylum and migration, recently received a death threat.

Last weekend, Francken (pictured) received an email in French complaining he was giving money to migrants while there was unemployment in the country. “If I could, I would stick a grenade in your mouth,” the email read. “I would have no problem doing it. We will see each other again, I promise you.”

“Migration is a loaded subject that provokes strong reactions,” Francken said. "I’m used to a bit of trash-talk. It goes with the job. But there are limits to everything. Keep it polite.” Francken has filed a complaint with the police.

Peeters followed with news of his own that he received death threats, as did Beke. Neither gave details of the contents of the messages or how they were delivered. Both politicians were offered special protection by the security services but declined.

Photo courtesy @FranckenTheo