OM files charges against officers for assault during Malieveld coronavirus protest

The Public Prosecution Service (OM) will prosecute two police officers suspected of using disproportionate force against protesters during a demonstration against the government’s coronavirus measures in March 2021. The case had previously been brought before the court in The Hague, but after additional investigations, the officers must now appear before the so-called Blue Chamber of the Midden-Nederland District Court, the OM reported.

The demonstration on the Malieveld was stopped on March 14, 2021, on the orders of the mayor of The Hague. As a result, the police then proceeded with the forced evacuation of the Malieveld.

The accused officers are a dog handler and a riot police officer (ME). The officer wanted to arrest a man using his service dog and also used his baton. The ME officer also used his baton against the protester, who had fallen and grabbed the police dog by the ears. The man suffered several injuries and had to be treated in hospital.

The two had already been summoned to appear before the District Court of The Hague, but the officers' lawyers objected to this as they still had investigative requests. This was confirmed by the court in June 2022 and witness hearings were held. The proceedings will now continue in the so-called blue chamber of the Midden-Nederland District Court. This court in Utrecht has exclusive jurisdiction over cases involving the use of force by investigating officers.

Afterwards, several demonstrators and others filed a report against the police. However, the Public Prosecution Service believes that the violence used was largely lawful.