The arrested suspect (a 54-year-old man from the municipality of Emmen) is being interrogated today. The file will be compiled and sent to the Public Prosecution Service for further processing. The man is suspected of attempted abuse of power, with the aim of coercing government agencies into performing official acts. In this case, it concerns statements and actions aimed at having controls carried out at the border. A task specifically assigned to the Royal Marechaussee (KMar). The police previously informed this person in a conversation that he must stop these activities.

‘No room for vigilantism’

The local triangle (mayor, Public Prosecution Service, and police) clearly states its position on border controls by citizens: We see that there is discontent in society regarding asylum policy. Groups have emerged that want to take the law into their own hands and control vehicles and individuals at the border themselves. This is unacceptable. Border surveillance is a task of the Royal Marechaussee – not of individual citizens. Therefore, we are taking action against this. There is no room for vigilantism.

Monitoring signals

Both physical and online monitoring is conducted, and signals of calls for border controls are carefully monitored. Where there are criminal offenses, such as controls by citizens, incitement, threats, discrimination, or attempted abuse of power, action will be taken. This can lead to investigation, official reports, or arrest by the police, as in this case. We work closely with the Public Prosecution Service, the municipality of Westerwolde, the Royal Marechaussee, and our German colleagues.