Punk band Heideroosjes bassist arrested in child porn case, quits band

Fred H., the longtime bassist of the Limburg-based punk band Heideroosjes, has been arrested in connection with a child pornography case, according to De Limburger. The 50-year-old musician from Sevenum was taken into custody on Feb. 25 and has remained in detention for four weeks. On March 13, the Limburg court’s council chamber extended his pretrial detention by an additional 30 days. On Monday, Heideroosjes announced that H. will be leaving the band.

H.’s attorney, Guy Koppen, confirmed that his client is suspected of possessing and distributing child pornography. “The suspect has been going through a difficult period, both personally and professionally, with a great deal of stress. He sought extreme tension online as a coping mechanism to deal with that stress,” Koppen said. He emphasized that H. denies having any sexual preference for minors and that no indications of such have emerged in the investigation.

“He wants to take responsibility for his actions before his family and society,” Koppen added. “He hopes to be given the time and space to do so.”

Leaving Heideroosjes

Following his arrest, H. has decided to leave Heideroosjes. The band announced his departure on Instagram, stating that they were “shocked to the core” by the news. “We never saw this coming. The allegations against Fred clash directly with the values we have always upheld as Heideroosjes.”

The band explained that H. made the decision to step down to avoid burdening his bandmates. “We are deeply saddened by this bitter and painful end to our collaboration since 1989. But above all, our hearts go out to everyone involved in this case and to Fred’s family,” the statement read. The band was scheduled to play several festivals this summer to celebrate its 35th anniversary. It is unclear if they will still perform.

A spokesperson for the Public Prosecution Service (OM) confirmed to De Limburger that a man from Sevenum was arrested and is suspected of involvement with child pornographic images. However, the OM has refused to disclose further details. “In the context of the ongoing police investigation, no further statements can be made,” the spokesperson said.