Identity area
Reference code
ZA COM MR-AAO-311
Title
Support Group Klaas de Jonge & Hélène Passtoors [Steungroep Klaas de Jonge & Hélène Passtoors]
Date(s)
- C 1985 - 1989 (Accumulation)
Level of description
Collection
Extent and medium
The collection Support Group Klaas de Jonge & Hélène Passtoors forms part of the Dutch AAM archive held by the IISG.
Context area
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
The support group was formed when Dutch-Belgian couple De Jonge and Passtoors was arrested in South Africa in 1985 for smuggling weapons and explosives for the ANC into the country. De Jonge managed to seek refuge in the Dutch embassy in Pretoria, which caused a big diplomatic row. He stayed there for two years until he was exchanged with a South African prisoner. Passtoors was convicted of High Treason and imprisoned from 1985-1989. The support group, which campaigned for their release, closed down in 1989.