Major Release: Names of 425,000 Suspected Nazi Collaborators Now Accessible Online

The Dutch National Archives has made public the names of approximately 425,000 individuals suspected of collaborating with Nazi forces during World War II, providing a vital resource for families and historians alike. This development marks a significant move towards transparency regarding the Netherlands' complex wartime legacy.

In a historic move, the Dutch National Archives has published the names of around 425,000 individuals suspected of collaborating with Nazi forces during the German occupation of the Netherlands from 1940 to 1945. This extensive database offers unprecedented access to records from a special legal system established towards the end of World War II, where over 150,000 individuals faced some form of punishment for their alleged actions.

Previously, these records were only accessible through in-person visits to the National Archives in The Hague. The Huygens Institute, which played a crucial role in digitizing the archive, noted that this transition removes a significant barrier for those researching the complex and sensitive history of the occupation. “This archive contains important stories for both present and future generations,” a representative from the Huygens Institute stated, emphasizing its importance for individuals seeking to understand familial connections to the past and for historians exploring the nuances of collaboration.

The database includes files related to war criminals, around 20,000 Dutch individuals who enlisted in the German military, and alleged members of the National Socialist Movement (NSB)—the Dutch Nazi party. Notably, the archive also comprises names of those ultimately exonerated. Information is restricted to names of suspected collaborators along with the date and place of their birth, requiring specific personal details for searches. While the database does not determine guilt or specify the nature of alleged collaborations, users are informed on how to access further details at the National Archives through legitimate inquiries.

Concerns regarding the publication of sensitive historical data have arisen, with some fearing potential backlash. Rinke Smedinga, whose father was involved with the NSB, voiced apprehensions about societal reactions. National Archives Director Tom De Smet acknowledged the delicate nature of the topic, suggesting that transparency could eventually help to address the long-silenced trauma surrounding collaboration during the war.

Culture Minister Eppo Bruins reiterated the importance of archive openness for confronting the shared past of the Netherlands and processing collective history. Despite limitations imposed by privacy laws on the volume of information available online, Bruins has expressed intentions to amend regulations to facilitate greater public disclosure. Currently, anyone still living is not included in the online database, highlighting ongoing ethical considerations in the release of this sensitive archival material.