In a groundbreaking legal development, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is set to stand trial in the Netherlands over allegations that he misled the public about the safety of Covid-19 vaccines. This landmark decision by a Dutch court follows complaints from seven individuals who report experiencing adverse reactions after being vaccinated during the peak of the pandemic.
The lawsuit names Gates, along with former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary-General, members of the Dutch government’s Covid-19 Outbreak Management Team, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, and the Dutch state. The plaintiffs contend that Gates was a key figure making various assertions about the experimental vaccines, which they claim were part of a broader agenda known as “The Great Reset Project.” Initiated in June 2020, this initiative aimed to reshape global economies post-pandemic while allegedly promoting unsafe vaccines, leading to the plaintiffs’ adverse experiences.
Gates emphasized in a 2020 article the necessity for substantial investment in diverse vaccine manufacturing capabilities, warning that “nations need to invest in many different kinds of manufacturing facilities now” to avoid delays in vaccine deployment. The plaintiffs assert that Gates made false promises regarding the vaccines’ ability to prevent virus transmission and eliminate the need for protective measures. Tragically, one of the plaintiffs has since died, leaving six remaining claimants.
Despite Gates’ attempts to halt the proceedings, the court ruled that his American citizenship does not exempt him from legal accountability in the Netherlands. He has been ordered to cover the plaintiffs’ legal fees of approximately $1,518.44 within two weeks or face additional penalties. A subsequent hearing is scheduled for November 27, 2024, amid ongoing concerns about vaccine safety.
In a related development, the Kenyan government has granted special status to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation under legal notice number 157, issued by Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, on October 4, 2024. This designation allows the foundation, recognized for its charitable efforts in combating poverty, disease, and inequality across over 140 countries, to engage in various legal and operational activities in Kenya.
The foundation is now empowered to:
Enter into contracts
Initiate and defend legal proceedings
Acquire, hold, or dispose of property in accordance with Kenyan law
Moreover, the foundation’s officials will receive several privileges, including immunity from legal action for acts performed in their official capacity, exemptions from direct taxes on salaries, and diplomatic-like privileges regarding exchange control facilities. This special status is seen as a means to facilitate the foundation’s operations and enhance its charitable impact in the region.
The Gates Foundation is also funding the African Pastoral Markets Development (APMD) Platform, which recently convened a workshop in Naivasha to develop market-driven strategies and enhance financial inclusion within pastoral communities. This workshop brought together stakeholders from Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia to formulate an implementation plan aimed at boosting resilience in pastoral economies.
As the foundation continues its active role in Africa, concerns remain regarding its influence and accountability, especially in light of historical allegations about its intentions. The combination of Gates’ upcoming trial and the foundation’s newly conferred privileges could have significant implications for vaccine safety discussions and philanthropic practices across the continent.