June 2004

A few months ago a Dutch man, Arjan van Erkel, was released from being captured in Russia for over 20 months. He had been kidnapped and held captive by Russian rebels in the Russian republic Dagestan.
It was a big thing. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) was involved in trying to have Van Erkel released, it went all the way to the Russian government.
Eventually MSF and the Dutch government paid a big amount of money as ransom, the Dutch government the biggest part of it. But with success, because upon payment, Van Erkel was released.
Now, about two months after Van Erkel's release, the Dutch government sued MSF to pay back the amount that the government paid in the ransom.
The hairs on the back of my neck raised when I heard that news on the radio.
First of all, we should all be glad that the poor man was released and arrived back here alive. Those rebels could just as well have killed him upon receiving the money. What is the importance in this case of the money in comparison to a saved life? Who cares where the money came from? Most important is that the money was paid.
Second, MSF is an organization financed mainly by gifts and subsidization. Which means that they never have enough of it and they are using everything at all times in the aid of people. How can the government have the heart to make such a claim on such an organization?
It's shameless, without any moral and drenched with greed.
Let them just be happy that the man is back safe. For all I care let them take credit for the release, but claiming the money back and saying that it was only a "loan" is the most egoistic, greedy thing I've heard of.