Levelt Cyber Council: Tilburg Shield for Digital Justice
To: Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR)
Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam and Forum Standaardisatie, Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, c/o Logius, P.O. Box 96810, 2509 JE The Hague, and Rijks Innovatie Community (RIC)
Tilburg, May 31, 2025
Subject: Request for interdisciplinary collaboration in establishing an independent Levelt Cyber Council in Tilburg
Dear members of NSCR, Forum Standaardisatie, and Rijks Innovatie Community,
With this letter, I urgently appeal to your expertise, involvement, and institutional responsibility in developing a future-proof, rule-of-law-compliant, and socially secure digital infrastructure. I ask for your active support and collaboration in establishing an independent Levelt Cyber Council in Tilburg.
This appeal is not without obligation. In the city of Tilburg—a university town and exemplary municipality in the field of digitization—fundamental principles of digital civil rights, transparency in digital investigations, and administrative integrity are being systematically undermined. Precisely where innovation policy and citizen protection should go hand in hand, citizens are confronted with digital crimes, data breaches, administrative repression, and the absence of effective complaint handling.
Why your cooperation is crucial
The NSCR possesses unique scientific expertise in cybercrime, victimology, evidence-based policing, and investigative practices. Your involvement is essential to develop a robust framework for reviewing digital criminal cases.
The Forum Standaardisatie plays a pivotal role in establishing open digital standards, interoperability, and data security within government processes—prerequisites for a functioning digital rule of law.
The Rijks Innovatie Community (RIC) connects innovative initiatives within the (national) government, aimed at addressing societal challenges. The situation in Tilburg requires exactly this: fundamental administrative innovation at the intersection of digital security, civil rights, and administrative legitimacy.
Request for collaboration
I kindly request you to:
- Advise and contribute substantively to the establishment of an independent Levelt Cyber Council in Tilburg;
- Make your expertise available to the Council of State as supervising authorities;
- Advise on replacing dysfunctional local officials in key positions related to digital security;
- Actively support the development of verifiable standards for digitally secure and ethical governance at the local level.
Systemic failure and administrative obstruction in Tilburg
Since 2020, Municipal Secretary administrators of Tilburg have repeatedly received reports of serious digital crimes, identity fraud, neighborhood-based intimidation, and cyberstalking. Instead of investigating these signals or addressing them internally, they have chosen a defensive and repressive approach. Critical citizens, including myself, are legally targeted through unilateral summary proceedings and false reports, rather than being protected.
This behavior is not merely an administrative shortcoming—it is mentally transgressive and contrary to the public duty of their positions. Their actions lack proportionality, responsible risk management, and transparency in digital decision-making. This attitude poses a direct risk to the legal protection of residents and the credibility of digital public tasks.
Call for structural replacement and innovation
I urge you to:
- Advise on the replacement of administrators in the domain of digital security and cyber policy;
- Assist in appointing an independent cyber coordinator who systematically addresses, monitors, and anchors the digital security of citizens;
- Contribute through your networks to the development of local digital oversight, where citizens are heard and the rule of law is safeguarded.
In conclusion
The Levelt Cyber Council (referring to the independent nature of the Levelt Commission) could serve as a prototype for other municipalities. Tilburg has the opportunity to transform a case of administrative failure into an example of restoration and innovation. This is only possible if independent scientific, technical, and administrative institutions—like yours—are willing to lend their authority, knowledge, and networks.
I look forward to your response and involvement and am available for clarification or discussion.
Sincerely,
Cora Westerink
Alumna, Tilburg University
Energieplein 18
5041 NH, Tilburg
Stichting Starwink, art for children and young people with fewer opportunities, 2007–present,
Chamber of Commerce No. 18087833
cc
Minister of Justice, Mr. Van Weel
State Secretary of Justice, Ms. Coenradie
State Secretary for Legal Protection, Mr. Struycken
Former District Alderman of Tilburg Oud-Noord, Esmah Lahlah, Member of Parliament for GroenLinks PvdA, Portfolio (Subsistence) Rights & Security of Existence
Collection Public Letters (mainly in Dutch)
Health is Membership, Wendell Berry
