Prosecutors drop hate speech investigation into protest at Holocaust Museum opening

The Public Prosecution Service (OM) is dismissing the complaint filed by the Central Jewish Consultation (CJO) against people who demonstrated at the opening of the National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam on March 10. "The investigation has not led to specific suspects," the OM said.

The CJO filed a report because of allegations that threatening language and hate speech was shouted at a group of 15 people while they were on their way to the newly opened museum. These statements included "Juden raus," which means "Jews out," in German, and "Joden rot op," roughly the Dutch equivalent of "Jews fuck off."

The police therefore initiated a criminal investigation under the leadership of the Public Prosecution Service, because such slogans are considered punishable under hate speech laws. After an investigation, it appears that there were no witnesses to the incident, and no camera footage was captured that proves the allegation, the Public Prosecution Service announced.

"The police have not been able to obtain any camera images or other recordings from the location in question at the Wertheimpark. When asked, the security at the Holocaust Museum also informed the police that they had not heard these slogans. The police could not track down other witnesses who allegedly heard the criminal statements."

CJO Chair Chanan Hertzberger told NOS that he found it "very unfortunate" that no witnesses had been found. "There were drones and cameras, but not on that corner. Maybe next time we should film ourselves. I am glad that the Public Prosecution Service investigated it and took it seriously."

The OM said it will continue the investigation if witnesses step forward, or camera images are submitted that can possibly lead to a suspect. Mayor Femke Halsema previously wrote to the City Council that no criminal expressions were detected during the opening of the museum.