Utrecht protest erupts against police violence after officer assaults two Muslim women

A protest took place in the Dutch city of Utrecht on Thursday following the circulation of video footage showing a police officer assaulting two Muslim women earlier this week. Demonstrators gathered at Vredenburg Square to denounce what they described as "racist violence," arguing that such incidents are systematic and recurrent. The group later marched toward the local Paardenveld police station, chanting slogans including “No justice, no peace,” “No to racist police,” and “Fascist police, stop the terror.”

Incident and Allegations

The incident occurred on Monday outside the Hoog Catharijne shopping mall, where the officer was filmed hitting one woman with a baton and kicking another in the stomach. According to the victims' lawyer, Anis Boumanjal, the officer made racially charged remarks during the altercation, telling one of the women, “You don’t belong in this country.” Both women sustained injuries and are receiving medical treatment. Police confirmed an investigation has been launched and stated that one of the women was detained on suspicion of insulting an officer.

Calls for Accountability

Protesters demanded a public apology from Dutch police, guarantees that such violence will not recur, and the suspension of the officer involved. A police spokesperson acknowledged that the footage has raised strong emotions and questions about racism, as reported by Dutch public broadcaster NOS. The demonstration highlighted growing public scrutiny over police conduct and racial bias in the Netherlands.