The plan of Minister Ard van der Steur (Security and Justice) to ensure that officers who use violence by the book, can soon be no longer punishable count on a lot of criticism. Critics call it absurd, curious and furious.
Van der Steur has Tuesday a bill sent to include the Council for the Judiciary and the Public Prosecution.Police officers now fall even as citizens under the same criminal law, so that they can get high prison sentences if they - wrongly - to shoot a suspect. Since Van der Steur want to end.
,, In situations where another may withdraw to avoid having to use force to defend itself, is a police officer just expect him to act in that situation and take action, "says the minister.
danger
For that reason, a violation of the rules of engagement of agents to allow a maximum prison sentence of three years or a fine of up to 20,000 euros. That penalty can only be imposed if a death has occurred.Inflicting grievous bodily harm by agents is at most two years in prison, the proposal. ,, Nonsensical, "says criminal lawyer Richard Korver. ,, Risk that police officers will be forcibly restrained less by this law."
Korver is the next of kin when Mitch Henriquez, who died in The Hague last year after a brace of agents. ,, It is the police should be very careful its monopoly, "says Korver.
As agents adhere properly to the rules of engagement, they should Van der Steur no longer be taken to court. Cops would no longer have to wait for a verdict from the court, which sometimes lasts for years. ,, That uncertainty is debilitating, "says Albert Springer, director of the Dutch Police Association (NPB).
easing
Ali Ouaalit who was police bullets themselves victims in 2012, is furious about the bill. ,, Runners get a permit to shoot around, "he says. Ouaalit was paralyzed after a policeman shot him in Rotterdam in the back. The policeman was one month cell.
,, The problem is that agents in the Netherlands are not sufficiently trained, "says Ouaalit. ,, Instead of relaxing the law, the Minister may agents better to practice more. I'm sure this will lead to American conditions and that even more victims attack. "
Agents should adhere for years on the rules of engagement, which prescribes when to use whatever means is appropriate. As can be shot at a suspect's firearm dangerous to try to escape a life threatening situation or person after a serious crime.
Naturally
Former police chief Gerard Bouman of the National Police pleaded earlier that agents are assessed using violence other than legal citizens. ,, Accounting for used violence remains a matter of course for the police. In addition, it should not go to the question of whether we have committed an ordinary crime, such as homicide or assault, "found Bouman.
The VVD is excited about the new bill Comrade Van der Steur. Agents ,, equal treatment as criminals does not do justice to their special position, "said VVD MP Ockje Tellegen. ,, They do not go home in the morning with the intention to draw their weapons."
no punishment
In recent years occurred several incidents where officers were involved. As was done in 2012 investigating a shooting at the station Hollands Spoor which killed the 17-year-old Rishi. Furthermore, shot two policemen in 2013 fatalities on the Dutchman Mike Stok. The shooting officers received no punishment.
And then there's the matter of the 42-year-old Mitch Henriquez Aruba. He died last year after using a brace on his arrest during a festival. The officers involved in the arrest, be this fall before the courts.
curious
Professor of psychology and law Peter van Koppen calls the new bill of Van der Steur 'curious'. ,, Why do agents need to get a separate position ?, "he asks. ,, Judges love it already aware that an agent during the work may end up quickly in a difficult position. Therefore, the law does not need to be changed. That is symbolic politics. "
By: Editors AD / Edwin van der Aa and Peter Winterman
/ Photo: ANP
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