Men sentenced to community service for attacking PowNed film crew during Sunneklaas

Two men have been sentenced to 100 hours and 120 hours of community service for attacking a camera crew for the broadcaster PowNed, during the Ameland party Sunneklaas in December 2023. The summary judge in Leeuwarden found that the two men were guilty of coercion and threats by forcing the journalists’ car to stop, climbing onto it, and then following it for an extended period.

Rob K., 33, and 24-year-old Jesse V. attacked and threatened the film crew when they were attempting to report on Sunneklaas, a celebration with elements of both Sinterklaas and pagan traditions. The event is shrouded in secrecy, with strict rules that no outsiders, especially the press, are allowed to witness or document the ceremonies.

The summary judge described it as "understandable and relatable" that the suspects wanted to honor the tradition of never allowing outsiders to be present, but said they were not entitled to take matters into their own hands. The judge added that by harassing the camera crew, the men crossed a line.

The two were acquitted of public violence due to a lack of evidence. The OM had also recommended a conditionally suspended three-month jail sentence, but the judge did not deem this necessary. Among other reasons, this is due to the low risk of reoffending and the fact that a significant amount of time has passed since then. Additionally, a new Sunneklaas celebration has already taken place, during which the press was able to record footage.

The judge also decided against the prosecutor’s recommendation to issue a driving ban to the men. The summary judge took into account that both suspects have been unable to perform their work as taxi drivers for 18 months, because their taxi pass was revoked as a result of the accusations.

PowNed chairman Dominique Weesie is not satisfied with the sentence the two men received. He told the ANP news agency that he considers the punishment disappointingly light. “Given the seriousness of the offense, the sentence should at least have matched the prosecutor’s recommendation. This was a missed opportunity to send a clear message: journalists are off-limits,” Weesie said.