The Dutch will be able pay their last respects to murdered anti-immigrant politician Pim Fortuyn today when his body "lies in state" in Rotterdam cathedral. A "lying in state" ceremony of the sort being prepared for Mr Fortuyn is unheard of, even for the most prominent Dutch political leaders. The ceremony is due to start at 1 p.m. on the Ascension Day holiday.
Mr Fortuyn (54), who had been expected to win about 17 per cent of the vote for his newly formed party in the Dutch election next Wednesday, was killed outside a radio station near Amsterdam on Monday. An animal rights campaigner has been charged with his murder.
Political analysts said the party set up by the openly gay ex-sociology professor might now trounce the established parties in the May 15th election, even though most of the "Pim Fortuyn List" candidates are political novices.
Tomorrow, Dutch Prime Minister Mr Wim Kok will lead mourners at Fortuyn's funeral mass. All election campaigning has been suspended as a mark of respect, but Mr Kok said violence must not be allowed to derail the democratic process.
Lawyers have named the suspect as Mr Volkert van der Graaf (32), a vegan environmental activist opposed to factory farming. He belonged to a little-known animal welfare group that opposes factory farming and fur farms.
Mr Van der Graaf's motive remains a mystery, but media reports said some ecologists were angry with Mr Fortuyn over his alleged refusal to back a bill to outlaw breeding animals for fur.