Cop recorded kicking, beating women at Utrecht shopping center in hiding over threats

The Utrecht police officer who was recorded kicking and beating two women at the Hoog Catharijne shopping center last week is now in hiding with his family, sources told the Telegraaf and RTV Utrecht. According to them, the cop is receiving threats and his personal details have been shared online.

Last Monday, the officer arrested a 23-year-old woman from De Koog in Texel at the Utrecht shopping center. The arrest was recorded and shared online. According to the police, the officer responded to an incident involving around 20 people and arrested the woman for verbally abusing him.

The cop led the woman away by the arm. A second woman followed, filming the officer. At one point, the cop turned around and kicked the second woman. The first woman pulled away from him, and he struck her with his baton.

Footage of the arrest was widely shared on social media and caused a great deal of unrest. The women involved were wearing veils, adding a layer of potential racism to the violent arrest.

The officer involved started receiving threats shortly after the arrest. He’s also being doxed, with people sharing his personal information online. According to the Telegraaf and RTV Utrecht’s sources, the threats are severe enough that the man and his family have been moved to a safe location.

The police are investigating whether the officer used appropriate force in the arrest. The two women have pressed charges against the officer.