Netherlands launches probe after police attack on Muslim women sparks outrage

UTRECHT, Netherlands — A protest was held Thursday in the Dutch city of Utrecht against “racist violence” after a police officer recently assaulted two Muslim women, hitting one with a baton and kicking the other in the stomach.Authorities have launched an investigation into possible racially motivated violence following the incident incident.A group of people gathered in Vredenburg Square to protest the attack, which occurred Monday in Utrecht.Protesters criticized the police, saying this was not an isolated incident and argued that racist violence takes place “systematically and repeatedly.”The rally also called on Dutch police to apologize to the victims and public and to ensure that such incidents will not happen again.They demanded the suspension of the officer involved and chanted slogans including “No justice, no peace,” “No to racist police” and “Fascist police, stop the terror.”The crowd later marched towards the Paardenveld police station in Utrecht.The demonstration took place after video footage went viral on social media showing a police officer assaulting the two women in front of the Hoog Catharijne shopping mall in Utrecht.According to police statements, all available video footage—including recordings from body cameras and other sources—will be thoroughly reviewed as part of a comprehensive investigation. Police emphasized that reports of this nature are taken “very seriously.” One of the women involved was reportedly detained on charges of insulting a police officer, according to authorities.Dutch Public broadcaster NOS quoted a police spokesperson acknowledging the strong public reaction to the footage, noting that it has raised “particularly serious questions related to racism.”Footage circulating online shows the officer striking the women with a baton and kicking them during the encounter. One of the victims said the officer made several racist remarks, including “You don’t belong in this country,” Anis Boumanjal, the women’s lawyer, told NOS.Boumanjal said the women sustained injuries from the incident and they are receiving medical treatment. — Agencies