Difference between autonomous and sovereign
Autonomous citizens believe that the government cannot exercise power over them and consciously place themselves outside of society. They refuse to pay certain taxes and fines because they have never agreed to those financial obligations. Other examples of autonomous life are writing out at the health insurer and refusing bailiffs. Autonomous follow a conspiracy theory that is based on the idea that it is possible to live within Dutch national borders and at the same time withdraw from the rights and obligations that go with it. They often want to claim certain facilities, such as social assistance benefits.
The sovereign citizens go one step further. They renounce any form of external authority. For example, they don’t have a passport or BSN number. In no way does the sovereign want to use things from the system. The ‘reunion of free people of flesh and blood’ is an association that claims to help people become sovereign. They claim that you can claim your sovereignty with the king and then live independently.
The supporters of the theories of the autonomous and sovereigns are often vulnerable people who have fallen into society. However, by following those theories, the problems only get bigger. Large debts and house evictions are often the result.
The AIVD estimated last year that about one hundred thousand people believe to a greater or lesser extent in the anti-institutional ideas. Thousands of supporters are also known to the Tax Authorities, who do not want to meet their payment obligations. The AIVD, the Public Prosecution Service and the judiciary have been warning for the effects of actively adhering to these ideas. They could also lead to extremism.