Dutch mayor wants to ban hacker con

By Cory Doctorow at 10:23 am Monday, May 23

Kiu sez, "Dutch mayor wants to ban 'what the hack' conference/gathering because of 'grave fear that the organisation of this event will endanger law and order as well as public safety'." What The Hack is a computer security con -- like DefCon meets Burning Man.

I have received word that you intend to organize an event "What The Hack" from July 28th 2005 through July 31st 2005 on Landgoed Velder in Liempde.

In order to organize such an event, you will need to obtain a permit ex art. 2.2.2. of Boxtel local ordinance 2004.

In light of the fact that there is grave fear that this event will endanger law and order as well as public safety, I, in my capacity as an authorized official, am herewith informing you that I will not issue such a permit.

A copy of this letter will be sent to the owners of the Landgoed Velder estate.

I assume that I have sufficiently informed you.

Yours truly,

MAYOR OF BOXTEL,
J.A.M. van Homelen

Link (Thanks, Kiu!)

Update: Sam sez, "I think it's worth mentioning that the mayor of Boxtel is probably just misinformed, and not "out to get" the community, and that the What The Hack organizing team does not seem to be worried at all -- They believe the conference will still go on as planned."