Stalker banned from social media
On 4 December 2012, a court in Amsterdam made a unique ruling in preliminary relief proceedings. The court imposed a social media ban. The man in question was ordered to delete his hyves and Facebook profiles and his blog and may not take part in social networks for a period of one year.
Cyber stalking
The measure was imposed because the man was found guilty of digitally stalking his former wife. The man made various accusations against his former wife on social networks, including accusations of child abuse, Nazism and paedophilia. In an earlier ruling, the court ordered the man to delete these digital accusations. However, the man did not respond and continued his libel and slander.
Social media ban
Given that the man ignored the earlier ruling, in December the court imposed the social media ban referred to above. If the man fails to voluntarily cooperate by deleting the profiles, the ruling will take the place of all action necessary to facilitate the online ban.
Unique legal measure
Meanwhile, the ruling has become final since the deadline to lodge an appeal has expired. This makes the unique and far-reaching measure definite. The ruling provides a new means of taking legal action against cyber bullying. The future will tell whether such a measure is proportionate in light of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR), among others.
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Godelijn experienced an international upbringing and education as an expat child living in Africa and England. Back in The Netherlands, she studied law at the University of Utrecht (1990). She then embarked on her legal career as a lawyer by working 10 years for the well-known law firm of ‘Wladimiroff en Spong Advocaten’. In 2000 she joined GMW lawyers as a partner and is the head of the Labour law and Pension section.
Godelijn specialises in international employment law and has extensive experience in dealing with both non-contentious and contentious international employment matters including (collective) redundancy packages and dismissal. She works for both companies and individual employees, enabling her to keep an open mind to both sides of a case. Naturally she helps her clients when a problem has arisen, but prefers to act before an escalation has taken place. Advice on a fair Human Resource policy is an essential part of her work.
Godelijn Boonman is considered to be the undoubted employment specialist for the expat community because she is bilingual, has a large international clientele and a wealth of experience in international employment law matters. She is therefore frequently asked to be the key note speaker at international seminars.
Godelijn has a keen interest in the international community and is a member of the advisory board of ACCESS .
