Dutch state condoned extreme violence in Indonesian war, inquiry concludes

Study finds widespread' ill-treatment and extrajudicial executions during 1945-9 war of independence

The Dutch state condoned and concealed a systematic use of extreme violence such as extrajudicial executions and torture during the 1945-9 Indonesian war of independence against colonial rule, a government-backed inquiry has concluded.

The ruthless brutality of the Netherlands' military and intelligence services is said to have been sanctioned at the highest levels of government, with all considerations subordinated to the goal of maintaining the colony.