THE HAGUE, 13/03/03 - Hans Smolders is not receiving a royal decoration. Although he made it possible for the police to arrest the murderer of Pim Fortuyn, his bravery does not meet the set criteria.

As part of her birthday celebrations on 30 April, the Queen annually hands out decorations to thousands of citizens who have made themselves useful in one way or another. Pim Fortuyn List (LPF) party assistant L. Kom and a group of supporters had requested that Smolders be decorated, but they have been told that he does not qualify.

On 6 May, Smolders was standing next to Pim Fortuyn when the politician was shot through the head at close range five times. Smolders set off in pursuit while alarming the police on his mobile phone. The lone gunman repeatedly aimed his gun at Smolders, who continued the chase undaunted until the suspect was overpowered by police officers at a petrol station.

The Chapter of the Civil Order in The Hague advises the Home Affairs Minister on the conferral of royal decorations. Through the municipality of Tilburg, where Smolders lives, the chapter has however informed Kom that the hero does not satisfy all the prescribed criteria.