The parents of a 20-year-old youth who committed suicide because he was bullied are to make a formal protest to the Dutch press complaints commission following a Vara radio documentary about the death.

The documentary, aired last week, claimed Tim Ribberink had not left a physical suicide note and there is no real evidence he was bullied.

His parents had used the suicide note as part of their son’s death announcement in the local paper, causing a national stir.

Following the broadcast, the parents issued a photograph of a screen shot of Ribberink’s phone, showing the note. The photograph had been taken on the orders of the police after Tim’s body was found, RTL news said.

Broadcaster Vara has since issued an apology for upsetting Ribberink’s parents.

Earlier stories
Youth’s suicide note which caused media storm may not exist
Parents stunned by reaction after publishing son’s suicide note