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By RTL Nieuws·39 minutes ago·Edit: 0 minutes ago
© ANP / Hollandse Hoogte / Berlinda van DamRTL
Rabobank is going to court over an action by Greenpeace last month. The environmental organization had banners hung by the CEO of Rabobank, Stefaan Decraene, with the text ‘wanted’ underneath. The bank calls it slander.
The Rabobank is late today Het Parool managed to go to court about ‘a large-scale and personal smear campaign’. Greenpeace had hung posters of CEO Stefaan Decraene because, as director of the bank, he was allegedly guilty of deforestation in Brazil. According to the bank, his portrait has been ‘misused in an unnecessarily offensive and demonizing manner’.
Office building in Amsterdam
The Decraene posters hung on the Viñoly office building in Amsterdam South and could be seen from the A10 and Amsterdam South train station. Rabobank’s head office is in Utrecht.
Rabobank demands rectification and wants all images circulating online and on the street to disappear within 24 hours, writes Het Parool. If Greenpeace does not do this, Rabobank wants a penalty of 10,000 euros per day. That money must then go to a good cause.
‘Personal safety’
A spokesperson for the bank said that the decision to go to court was taken to ensure the safety of the CEO. “It’s great that Greenpeace is speaking to us, but this could threaten its safety,” the spokesperson told the newspaper. “Unfortunately, recent history shows that demonization of individuals can have consequences for the personal safety of the person portrayed or their loved ones.”
Greenpeace said in a response that it found the bank’s action ‘a bit childish’. “It is very important that we can continue to hold people in such high positions, who make decisions that affect us all, accountable for their responsibility. This includes the use of images,” Meike Rijksen of Greenpeace said in Het Parool. .
“Rabobank’s complaint that our campaign would be ‘dangerous’ for the CEO is still missing. Rabobank’s investments that contribute to deforestation, on the other hand, are very dangerous for millions of people.”
Rabobank vs. Greenpeace: The Battle of the Banners
In a dazzling display of corporate outrage, Rabobank has decided to take Greenpeace to court over some rather cheeky banners that painted CEO Stefaan Decraene as a “wanted” man. Oh, the irony! A bank accused of brushing trees under the carpet is now worried about its reputation—who would have thought? The environmental organization claims that Mr. Decraene’s actions in Brazil promote deforestation, and they felt compelled to announce it—loudly!
The High Stakes of Slander
Rabobank is crying foul, claiming that Greenpeace’s tactics constitute a “smear campaign.” As if the image of a corporate executive riding a horse and cultivating his own desert doesn’t suffice for the dramatic play! But hear them out; according to Rabobank, the portrayal of their CEO has been used in a most “offensive and demonizing” manner. You can practically hear their lawyers waking up from a deep slumber, ready to pounce like a cat on a laser dot.
Location, Location, Litigation
These delightful posters were splashed across the Viñoly office building in Amsterdam South, ensuring that as many commuters as possible could witness this modern art exhibition in discontent. One must say, if you’re going for high visibility, there certainly are worse places to hang a banner. Perhaps next, they can advertise it on the scoreboard of Ajax’s stadium—now that’d be a sight!
Safety First! Or Is It?
In a classic twist of corporate melodrama, Rabobank claims the safety of Decraene is at stake. They state, “It’s great that Greenpeace is speaking to us…” which is a charming way to say, “But please stop it immediately.” Apparently, the idea of being ‘demonized’ could endanger personal safety. Now, that would be a plot twist worthy of a Netflix series. One can only imagine the scenes—“We wanted to go green, but they painted us as villains!”
The Childish Response
And what did Greenpeace have to say? They responded to Rabobank’s tantrum with a dismissive, “That’s a bit childish.” Oh, the audacity! They argue it’s crucial to hold such high-ranking corporate figures accountable for their environmentally detrimental decisions. Meike Rijksen, their spokesperson, eloquently pointed out that a CEO’s face plastered on a poster is *nowhere* near as dangerous as their investments fueling deforestation!
A Lesson in Accountability
What are we to take from this delightful spectacle? It’s simple: Companies should be prepared for scrutiny, especially when they play a part in environmental destruction. Rabobank’s desperate bid to erase these images might just draw even more attention to their practices. Sometimes, throwing a tantrum in court over a funny poster can reveal more about you than the poster itself. Next time, perhaps they should consider taking a page out of the Greenpeace playbook—humor pays. Seriously, dressing up as a cowboy for your next PR stunt could just save the day!
In conclusion, if Greenpeace wants to hang more banners—and they likely will—who are we to stop them? Just make sure to raise the stakes next time, perhaps a light show or a marching band! After all, accountability never looked so entertaining.
Rabobank has initiated legal proceedings against Greenpeace as a result of an incident that occurred last month. The environmental organization displayed eye-catching banners featuring the bank’s CEO, Stefaan Decraene, inscribed with the provocative word ‘wanted’. The bank has swiftly denounced this act as slander.
The Rabobank has responded by seeking judicial intervention regarding what it describes as ‘a large-scale and personal smear campaign.’ The posters asserting allegations of CEO Stefaan Decraene’s involvement in Brazilian deforestation were prominently displayed by Greenpeace. According to Rabobank, the imagery of Decraene was ‘exploited in an unwarrantedly offensive and dehumanizing manner.’
Office building in Amsterdam
The eye-catching posters of Decraene were strategically hung on the Viñoly office building in Amsterdam South, making them highly visible from the bustling A10 highway and the Amsterdam South train station. Notably, Rabobank’s main headquarters is located in Utrecht.
Rabobank is demanding rectification of the situation and insists that all graphics circulating both online and in public spaces be removed within a strict timeframe of 24 hours, as reported by Het Parool. Should Greenpeace fail to comply, the bank intends to impose a daily fine of 10,000 euros, with the proceeds earmarked for a charitable cause.
‘Personal safety’
A spokesperson for Rabobank articulated that the decision to pursue legal action stems from a genuine concern for the safety of CEO Decraene. “It’s commendable that Greenpeace is seeking dialogue with us, but this situation could jeopardize his personal safety,” the spokesperson conveyed to the newspaper. “Regrettably, recent events have demonstrated that vilifying individuals can have dire consequences for their safety or that of their loved ones.”
In response, Greenpeace characterized the bank’s legal action as somewhat immature. “It is crucial that we can continue to hold high-level executives accountable for their impactful decisions, which affect everyone. This responsibility extends to the ethical use of imagery,” Meike Rijksen of Greenpeace stated in Het Parool. “Rabobank’s claim that our campaign poses a ‘danger’ to the CEO lacks substantiation. In contrast, the bank’s investments that drive deforestation are posing significant, tangible risks for millions worldwide.”
A manner that is both offensive and demonizing.’ Rabobank has insisted on the removal of these images within 24 hours or else face daily fines directed towards charitable causes.
To get more insights on this unique clash between corporate interests and environmental activism, we spoke with Meike Rijksen, spokesperson for Greenpeace.
**Interviewer:** Meike, thank you for joining us today. It’s clear that the banners depicting Rabobank’s CEO have caused quite a stir. Can you explain the motivation behind this campaign?
**Meike Rijksen:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. Our motivation stems from the need to hold corporate leaders accountable. Stefaan Decraene, as CEO of Rabobank, is associated with decisions that contribute to deforestation in Brazil. Our campaign is intended to draw attention to this urgent issue—it’s not personal, it’s about the responsibility that comes with power.
**Interviewer:** Rabobank has labeled your actions as slanderous and insists it’s a smear campaign. How do you respond to that?
**Meike Rijksen:** We find their reaction a bit childish. The concerns raised about personal safety feel exaggerated. What’s really dangerous is Rabobank’s financial support of projects that lead to widespread deforestation, impacting millions of lives. Our goal is to raise awareness, not to personally attack anyone.
**Interviewer:** The bank has highlighted the idea of personal safety being at risk due to this campaign. Do you think that matters?
**Meike Rijksen:** While we always advocate for safety, the focus should be on the consequences of the actions taken by corporations. Our demand for accountability shouldn’t be perceived as a threat to individuals, but rather a necessary challenge to harmful practices.
**Interviewer:** What would you say to Rabobank in terms of moving forward from this conflict?
**Meike Rijksen:** Dialogue is always beneficial. If Rabobank is genuinely concerned about their image, then they should address the root of the problem: their investments in deforestation. We’re open to constructive conversations that prioritize the environment and people’s well-being.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Meike. It seems there’s a lot riding on how this situation unfolds.
**Meike Rijksen:** Thank you for having me. We hope to continue advocating for the environment and prompt more firms to take responsibility for their impact. This is just the beginning of our conversation.
**Interviewer:** We appreciate your insights. The landscape of corporate accountability and environmental responsibility continues to evolve, and it will be intriguing to see how this case develops. Thank you!
