Emergency decree in Stadskanaal to stop vandalism of suspects' homes in child abuse case
The revelation that two women are suspected of severely abusing a 6-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy has resulted in great unrest in Stadskanaal, Groningen. The mayor implemented an emergency decree for the area where the homes “involved in the criminal investigation” are located after a large group of people smashed windows there on Thursday afternoon.
According to the municipality, there were also calls for further action on social media. The police believe there is a risk of arson and other “serious disturbances.”
The police arrested the two women, aged 31 and 33, the Public Prosecution Service (OM) reported. Earlier in the day, the authorities announced that the two mothers were under investigation for severe assault and unlawful deprivation of liberty. “Due to the social unrest that arose today and the associated safety aspects,” the police arrested the two women earlier than planned, the OM said.
According to the Child Protection Council, the two women severely abused their two children. The 6-year-old girl and 7-year-old boy were reportedly physically abused, locked in the basement regularly, and starved as punishment. The women also filmed the humiliations and abuse.
The girl bore the brunt of the abuse and was hospitalized twice, partly due to severe malnutrition. In February, she had to be placed in a medically induced coma. The girl’s school had alerted the authorities because she often had injuries to her face and came to school tired and hungry.
The emergency decree applies until Sunday evening to the area around Hoofdkade, Julianastraat, Stationslaan, and Brugkade. People are only allowed to enter the area if they have a valid reason to be there. Gatherings of three or more people are banned, as are objects that can be used in riots or violence, like stones, sticks, fireworks, accelerants, and weapons.
