Freedom of expression in the Dutch Constitution can only be limited by a formal law or regulation. In the context of heckling, relevant limitations in the Dutch Criminal Code are defamation, slander, and insult; lèse-majesté; and the prohibition against incitement to religious hatred and discrimination (“hate speech”).
You have the option of taking the dispute to court. The court then issues a binding ruling which you and the other party must comply with. Proceedings will be instigated in the first instance before the sub-district court or the civil court. Which court you go to depends on the kind of case or the value of the case.
The Dutch Criminal Law seeks to protect the moral integrity of a person by forbidding slander and defamation (Articles 261 and 262 of the Dutch Criminal Code). Both slander and defamation consist of an intention to impugn the honor or reputation of another person by accusing a person of a fact in the public eye.
In the Netherlands it is prohibited to lock up burglars in the toilet. That is seen as deprivation of freedom and it's a violation of the law.
Generally, to win a defamation lawsuit, you must prove that: Someone made a statement; The statement was published; The statement caused your injury; The statement was false; and. The statement did not fall into a privileged category.
The law prohibits direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment) and victimisation.
Truth, or substantial truth, is a complete defense to a claim of defamation.
Knowingly publishing a lie about another person would be libel if that lie damages, or some harm caused to the reputation of the person or entity who is the subject. If the damaging lie was spoken rather than written, then it would be slander.