A police officer who kicked a woman during a confrontation at Utrecht Central Station earlier this year will not be prosecuted. According to the Public Prosecution Service (Openbaar Ministerie), the force used was lawful because the woman failed to follow instructions and resisted arrest. As a result, no criminal investigation will be launched.
The incident occurred on 26 January under the station’s canopy. Video footage showed the officer interacting with two veiled women, one of whom allegedly insulted him. When he attempted to detain her, he was obstructed and harassed by several bystanders, prosecutor officials explained.
The officer led the woman away by her arm while the second woman followed with a mobile phone in her hand. The officer then kicked the second woman, sparking a chaotic scene in which he also struck the other woman with his baton. Mobile phone footage of the conflict posted online sparked widespread public anger, and police reported that the officer subsequently received threats.
Both women lodged formal complaints against the officer. Their lawyer, Anis Boumanjal, confirmed he was informed of the decision on Monday afternoon. He stated he will carefully study the prosecutor’s reasoning before consulting his clients. He added that they are evaluating whether to initiate an Article 12 procedure (artikel 12-procedure), a legal mechanism asking the court to order a prosecution.
The Public Prosecution Service concluded that the officer needed to create space to make the arrest. Officials said using a kick to create the necessary distance and defensive space was lawful under the circumstances, even if other options were available at the time. Police previously found that the officer failed to follow internal instructions on the use of kicks and batons, though he will face no further action.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
