Meineed
Perjury
Perjury is the intentional making of a false statement under oath in a judicial proceeding.
Perjury is criminalised under Dutch criminal law by Article 207 of the Criminal Code. It consists in the intentional making of a false statement after the person concerned has taken the oath or made the solemn affirmation to tell the truth. The maximum penalty is six years’ imprisonment or a fine of the fifth category.
The provision is relevant because reliable fact-finding in civil, administrative and criminal proceedings is essential to a fair trial. A false statement made under oath may result in incorrect judgments or convictions and thereby undermines public confidence in the administration of justice.
In practice, perjury is mainly established where subsequent evidence demonstrates that the witness or party has deliberately lied. The Public Prosecution Service brings proceedings only where there are clear indications of intent and sufficient evidence.
“The witness was convicted of perjury after it transpired that he had given false testimony under oath regarding the events on the evening in question.”
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