Criminal investigation launched into Groningen hazing incident

The Public Prosecutor in Noord-Holland launched a criminal investigation into an incident at Groningen student association Vindicat. A prospective member was injured during hazing to such an extent that he was hospitalized with a brain injury.

The victim decided not to press charges, GIC reports. But the Public Prosecutor launched an investigation anyway, given the severity and impact of the incident.

According to the news agency, the victim was injured by another person standing on his head. The criminal investigation will focus on the individuals who were involved in the incident.

The municipality of Groningen, the University of Groningen (RUG) and the Hanze University Groningen wants to completely ban hazing in student associations, they announced after the student was injured.