Het Vrije Woord (Belgian newspaper)

Het Vrije Woord was a Belgian newspaper published during World War II. It was a collaborationist publication, meaning it supported the German occupation of Belgium and advocated for collaboration with the Nazi regime.

The newspaper began publication in 1940, shortly after the German invasion and occupation of Belgium. It was based in Antwerp and aimed to disseminate pro-German and anti-Semitic propaganda. Het Vrije Woord played a significant role in shaping public opinion in occupied Belgium and contributed to the persecution of Jews and other minority groups.

The newspaper ceased publication after the liberation of Belgium in 1944. Individuals associated with Het Vrije Woord faced legal repercussions for their collaborationist activities. The newspaper remains a controversial subject in Belgian history due to its role in promoting collaboration with the Nazi regime during the occupation. Its existence highlights the complexities and divisions within Belgian society during World War II.