Hans Thoolen on Human Rights Defenders and their awards

I was rather shocked to receive a demand for over 1000 euros from the Dutch news agency Algemeen Nederlands Persbureau, which was set up by the Dutch newspaper association in December 1934 as a non-profit-making foundation but became a limited company in 2001. By 2007 the papers had sold their shares to private investors [CLEARLY] .

I had used 3 pictures as illustrations in this blog and was now told that this was a violation of copyright. My reply that

a. I apologised for this unintended use

b. credit lines were provided

c. I would remove the pictures as soon as the ANP could give me the dates

d. this concerns a small non-commercial, niche blog, clearly dedicated to protecting rights of journalists

fell on deaf ears.

Fully understanding the need for income for the media, I also think that when no harm was done and no profit lost (which of my few Dutch readers would now cancel his or her subscription on a Dutch newspaper?), the press agency should be more lenient – especially if the use of the pictures is done in the context of voluntary efforts to protect media freedom.

As a Dutch saying goes “Geld stinkt niet” (It doesn’t matter how you get/earn money), forgetting the equally common: Geld maakt niet gelukkig (Money alone won’t make you happy.)

Fellow bloggers, be aware ….

This entry was posted on June 19, 2026 at 17:56 and is filed under human rights.