nietverhoornd

Nietverhoornd is a Dutch neologism used in contemporary discourse to describe a situation in which a person, group, or issue is not subjected to questioning or interrogation, whether in legal proceedings, journalism, or political debate. The term is typically used pejoratively to signal gaps in accountability, transparency, or due process, by pointing to a failure to ask pertinent questions or solicit critical evidence.

The word combines niet (not) and verhoord (interrogated/heard) and is often employed metaphorically. It is not an official legal term, but rather a label used in media analysis, opinion writing, and online discussion to critique investigative rigor or oversight.

Usage examples include describing a court procedure where a key witness was not questioned, or criticizing a news report for omitting interviews with relevant authorities or affected parties. In parliamentary or policy debates, the term may be invoked to argue that certain voices were not invited to testify, effectively rendering the process nietverhoornd.

Origin and spread: the term dates from the early 2020s in Dutch-language discourse, gaining traction in online forums and commentary on accountability, with variations such as niet-verhoord appearing in some texts.

Impact and reception: as a rhetorical device, nietverhoornd can focus attention on procedural weaknesses but may also polarize debates due to its normative charge. See also: interrogation, due process, investigative journalism, witness testimony.