Four men who, according to the Public Prosecution Service, threw heavy fireworks at the police during riots surrounding a municipal council meeting in Doetinchem, appeared in court today in Zutphen. The prosecutor stated: “The police were attacked with the risk of serious bodily injury. Peaceful protesters could not make their voices heard and the democratic process is undermined by such violence. Therefore, the Public Prosecution Service sees reason to demand 8 months, mostly unconditional imprisonment for three of the four men.” For the fourth suspect, juvenile criminal law was applied.
On September 25, a council meeting took place in Doetinchem where a vote was held on the establishment of an asylum seekers center (AZC). During this council meeting, a protest against the establishment of this AZC took place. The protest escalated into significant disturbances. The riot police had great difficulty restoring order. Fireworks were thrown at police officers who were not yet wearing extra protective gear.
The prosecutor stated: “It is clear that these are serious criminal offenses. Police officers could have been seriously injured. The council meeting that evening took place behind closed doors. This was an exception, as a week prior there was also significant unrest at a meeting on the same topic. The behavior of these suspects can be extremely intimidating to the council members who are carrying out their duties while they can hear the riots outside. For the police officers doing their job, the situation was very frightening. By committing violence in this way, the suspects also hinder the police in their task of facilitating the protest, which was registered with the municipality, and maintaining public order.”
Charges and verdict
Deliberately causing an explosion with heavy fireworks, posing a danger of serious bodily injury, is already a serious offense in itself. Additionally, the Public Prosecution Service, as is known, takes violence against the police very seriously. The sentences vary per suspect. Two suspects, a 21-year-old man from the municipality of Oude IJsselstreek and a 23-year-old from the municipality of Aalten, faced a sentence of 8 months, of which 3 months are conditional. This was for deliberately causing an explosion with heavy fireworks in association and possession of prohibited fireworks. For a third suspect, a 37-year-old man from Doetinchem, who, in addition to throwing and possessing fireworks, also had a baton with him, the prosecutor demanded 8 months with 2 conditional. The fourth suspect, an 18-year-old from Doetinchem, only retains a conditional part of 90 days of imprisonment after deducting pre-trial detention.
The police judge issued a verdict the same afternoon. The sentence for the 18-year-old is in line with the demand. He does not have to return to prison. For the other three suspects, the verdict was lower than the demands, although the judge did refer to a very serious case. He imposed 1 to 3 months of imprisonment on these suspects.
