Assault
On Thursday, January 22, Bender was working in the city center of Delft when he was attacked by a group of youths. At some point, he and his cameraman were assaulted by the two suspects. When the police arrived, the group dispersed. The priority at that moment was to restore calm in the area and ensure the safe departure of Bender and his cameraman. Therefore, no one was arrested at that time.
Investigation initiated ex officio
After the incident, the police and the Public Prosecution Service started an investigation ex officio. This means an investigation was initiated without a formal report being filed. The police and Public Prosecution Service place great value on a free press in the Netherlands that can work unhindered and safely.
PersVeilig
When a journalist is confronted with violence, we give high priority to tracking down and prosecuting the suspect. The Dutch Association of Journalists (NVJ), the Society of Editors-in-Chief, the Public Prosecution Service, and the police also collaborate in the PersVeilig project. The goal is to strengthen the position of journalists against aggression and violence.