Two women in Utrecht have filed complaints after they allege they were assaulted by a police officer who also made racist remarks. The women plan to report incidents of assault and attempted severe assault to the authorities. Their lawyer, Anis Boumanjal, made the claims to El-Balad.
Incident Details at Hoog Catharijne
The altercation occurred on a recent Monday at the Hoog Catharijne shopping center. Eyewitnesses recorded the event, which subsequently sparked widespread attention on social media. The footage shows a veiled woman being taken away by an officer following a dispute. A second woman, filming the incident, was reportedly kicked by the officer, while the first woman was struck with a baton.
Injuries and Medical Treatment
According to Boumanjal, the women sustained injuries from the encounter, and both are currently receiving medical care. However, he did not disclose the specific nature of their injuries. The lawyer indicated that the women had a minor disagreement with another individual prior to the police’s involvement.
Contradictory Accounts of the Incident
The police have provided a different narrative, claiming the incident involved a group of approximately twenty people. They allege that one of the women insulted an officer, which has been contested by Boumanjal. He insists his clients are unclear about these accusations, stating, “We do not know what they are referring to.”
Expert Opinions on Police Conduct
Jaap Timmer, a police sociologist from VU University, reviewed the video and found it challenging to assess the appropriateness of the officer’s actions. He noted that, while the visuals may appear negative, the circumstances leading up to the incident remain unclear. Importantly, Timmer emphasized that simply filming an encounter does not justify police violence.
Investigation and Potential Consequences
El-Balad reached out to the police for comments, but a spokesperson stated they could not provide information while the investigation is ongoing. The Utrecht police have acknowledged the gravity of the video, recognizing it raises questions about racism in policing.
Future Steps and Accountability
- The women’s complaint will inform the prosecutor’s decision on whether a criminal investigation into the officer will proceed.
- If no criminal case is pursued, an internal police inquiry will take place.
- Consequences for the officer could range from disciplinary actions to the suspension of benefits, although immediate termination appears unlikely.
One of the women involved, aged 23, also faces charges of insult for her actions during the incident. Her identity is associated with De Koog, a village on the island of Texel.
