Prosecutor promises harsh punishments for misbehavior during New Year's

The Public Prosecution Service will take harsh action against misbehavior and misconduct during New Year's. The Prosecutor considers New Year's as an event, which means that sentence demands can be 75 percent higher, the Telegraaf reports.

People caught being aggressive or violent towards police officers, firefighters or paramedics could face sentences up to 200 percent, the Prosecutor said. First responders keep the Netherlands safe and they must be able to do their jobs without interference, according to the Public Prosecutor.

The Prosecutor will also be harsh against people caught with dangerous illegal fireworks like mortars or cobras. The trade or possession of fireworks bombs is subject to a maximum prison sentence of six years.

New Year's cases can be settled by the Public Prosecutor with a fine or community service, but the Prosecutor can also decide to take the case to court. People who attack first responders will face court.