Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates is involved in a civil lawsuit in the Netherlands.
The case, filed by a group of Dutch citizens, accuses Gates and others of misleading the public about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines.
The lawsuit claims that Bill Gates, along with other high-profile figures, provided false information about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic.
The plaintiffs, seven Dutch citizens (one of whom has reportedly passed away, leaving six), say they suffered physical and mental injuries after receiving the vaccines.
They argue that Gates, through his work with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and connections to the World Economic Forum (WEF), promoted vaccines as part of a larger agenda called “The Great Reset.” The plaintiffs believe this agenda pushed unsafe vaccines, leading to their injuries.
The case is not a criminal trial, meaning Gates faces no criminal charges or risk of jail time. Instead, it’s a civil lawsuit, which could result in financial compensation for the plaintiffs if they win.
Why Was the Lawsuit Filed?
The plaintiffs filed the lawsuit because they believe they were deceived into taking COVID-19 vaccines based on misleading statements.
They claim Gates and others said the vaccines would stop virus transmission, prevent illness, and remove the need for masks, which they argue was not true.
The lawsuit targets Gates due to his global influence in promoting vaccines through his foundation, which has funded organizations like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
The plaintiffs also point to Gates’ public statements, such as a 2020 YouTube video titled “The Race for a COVID-19 Vaccine, Explained,” as evidence of misleading claims.
They feel betrayed, believing they trusted the vaccine narrative and now face health issues as a result.
Who’s Involved in the Lawsuit?
The lawsuit names several defendants besides Gates, including:
- Albert Bourla, CEO of Pfizer, the pharmaceutical company behind one of the COVID-19 vaccines.
- Mark Rutte, former Dutch Prime Minister and current NATO Secretary General.
- Members of the Dutch government’s COVID-19 Outbreak Management Team, who advised on pandemic policies.
- The Dutch state, representing the government’s role in vaccine distribution.
The plaintiffs are represented by Dutch attorneys Arno van Kessel and Peter Stassen.
Gates is represented by lawyers from Pels Rijcken, a prominent law firm based in The Hague.
The case is being heard in the District Court of Northern Netherlands, located in the city of Leeuwarden.
This is an unusual choice, as many COVID-19-related cases in the Netherlands are typically filed in The Hague.
Legal experts suggest the plaintiffs chose Leeuwarden strategically to avoid courts where similar cases have struggled.
When Were the Court Dates, and What Happened?
Here’s a timeline of key court dates and events:
- September 18, 2024: An initial hearing took place to determine if the Dutch court had jurisdiction over Gates, who lives in the United States. Gates’ lawyers argued the court lacked authority, but the plaintiffs countered that Gates’ global influence justified the case proceeding in the Netherlands.
- October 16, 2024: The Leeuwarden court ruled it has jurisdiction to hear the case, citing Gates’ role in global vaccine efforts and Dutch law, which allows jurisdiction over foreign defendants if claims are connected to local ones. Gates was ordered to pay €1,406 (about $1,520) in legal fees for losing this motion.
- November 27, 2024: A hearing was scheduled to further discuss the case, but no major rulings were reported.
- July 9, 2025: The first substantive hearing occurred, where the plaintiffs’ claims were presented in detail. This marked the start of the main proceedings.
What Has Happened with the Case So Far?
The case is ongoing, with no final verdict or settlement reported as of July 31, 2025. The court’s decision to accept jurisdiction was a significant step, allowing the lawsuit to move forward.
However, legal experts, like Utrecht University law professor Remme Verkerk, note that proving the plaintiffs’ claims will be challenging. He said, “Just because the court agreed to hear the case does not mean it has merit.”
One notable development involved the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Arno van Kessel, who was arrested on June 11, 2025, in what some sources describe as a controversial investigation into a “criminal network.”
No charges have been specified, and some claim the arrest was an attempt to disrupt the case. Peter Stassen continues to represent the plaintiffs.
Social media has spread misinformation about the case, with some falsely claiming Gates was “indicted” or faces criminal charges.
For example, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wrongly stated at a 2024 rally that Gates was indicted, fueling confusion. The case remains a civil matter, not a criminal one.
Has There Been a Settlement?
No settlement has been reported. The case is still active, and both sides are preparing for further hearings. If the plaintiffs win, they could receive financial compensation, but the outcome is uncertain due to the complexity of proving vaccine-related injuries.
Why Is This Case Important?
This lawsuit is significant for several reasons:
- Global Attention: It targets high-profile figures like Gates and Bourla, drawing worldwide interest.
- Vaccine Debate: The case fuels ongoing debates about COVID-19 vaccine safety and public trust in health authorities.
- Legal Precedent: The court’s jurisdiction ruling could set a precedent for holding international figures accountable in foreign courts.
- Public Trust: The outcome may influence how people view global health initiatives led by private foundations like Gates’.
Dutch attorney Meike Terhorst commented, “In general, COVID-19 court cases have been very unsuccessful in the Netherlands. There is a slim chance it will be successful.” This highlights the uphill battle the plaintiffs face.
Additional Important Information
- Gates’ Role in Vaccines: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has invested billions in global health, including vaccine development and distribution. Critics argue this gives Gates too much influence over public health policies.
- The Great Reset Controversy: The plaintiffs’ mention of “The Great Reset,” a WEF initiative, refers to a theory that global elites used the pandemic to push societal changes. The court acknowledged this claim in its ruling but has not ruled on its validity.
- Plaintiffs’ Stories: One plaintiff, too ill to speak, was represented by her father at the September 18 hearing. He emotionally asked to speak directly to Gates about his daughter’s health decline after vaccination.
- No Physical Appearance Required: Gates is not required to attend hearings in person. His legal team handles all court appearances, as is common in civil cases.
Government Reference Link
For official details on the court’s jurisdiction ruling, visit the Netherlands Judiciary website, where case summaries are published in Dutch.
The civil lawsuit against Bill Gates in the Netherlands is a high-stakes case that questions the safety of COVID-19 vaccines and the influence of global health leaders.
Filed in Leeuwarden, Netherlands, it involves prominent figures like Pfizer’s Albert Bourla and former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
The case has cleared the jurisdiction hurdle and is shaping debates about vaccines and accountability.
Stay informed by following Netherlands sources like De Telegraaf or the Netherlands Judiciary website for updates on this evolving case.
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