Joost Klein could soon face prosecution; May have confessed to Eurovision threats

Dutch musician Joost Klein could be prosecuted within a few weeks on allegations that he threatened a camerawoman working for the Eurovision Song Contest, which led organizers to disqualify Klein from the event. The singer reportedly confessed during questioning regarding an incident that happened just after Klein concluded his Semi-Final performance at the Malmö Arena in Sweden on Thursday night.

Sources told newspaper Aftonbladet that Klein became agitated by the crowd of photographers and videographers closing in on him, and that he lunged towards one of them with a fist. Although he reportedly did not strike her, her camera was damaged and she was treated for a laceration, the newspaper reported.

Several witnesses told investigators that Klein was "very aggressive" in his reaction, the newspaper stated. He was also very remorseful, right afterwards, saying "I'm sorry," over and over.

Regardless, police told SVT they believe the evidence against Klein is strong. A prosecution appears to be imminent. "We expect to be able to do it at the beginning of June. Normally, we need about six to eight weeks in processing time," said Emil Andersson, the head of the emergency investigative unit with the police in Malmö. "But in this case, we have used a legal process called 'expedited prosecution.'"

Police in Malmö questioned Klein, his accuser, and witnesses before the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) made the decision to drop Klein from the contest. Dutch Eurovision broadcast partner AVROTROS decried the decision, saying Klein made a "threatening motion" towards the woman. The police have thus far said Klein is only under investigation for making threats, and not for assault, but sources told Swedish media that the woman's story differs from what the Dutch broadcasters have said.

"When we have expedited prosecution cases, the prognosis is generally good," Andersson also told Aftonbladet. "Otherwise, it would not be [suitable as] an expedited prosecution. It is based on the fact that there is clear evidence, and then it moves on in this fast track."

This was also possible because the crime is considered to be less serious. "The prognosis is good and we expect that there will probably be a prosecution," Andersson told SVT. Although it was previously reported that police handed the case over to prosecutors, that has not yet happened, Andersson added.

The case could land on the prosecutor's desk within two weeks. Klein was not held in custody in Malmö, and he was also allowed to return to the Netherlands.