Seven police officers prosecuted over death following Rotterdam arrest
Dutch prosecutors are bringing charges against seven police officers for breaching use-of-force instructions resulting in death after the arrest of a 32-year-old man in Rotterdam in June 2023. The case against an eighth officer has been dropped, prosecutors announced on 29 October.
On 9 June 2023, police responded to a report that the man had cycled into a car and ridden away. Two officers pursued him. After he repeatedly failed to follow instructions, an officer used a Taser without the intended effect. Assisted by more officers, police restrained him face down for an extended period. Resuscitation was performed, and he later died in hospital.
Following an investigation by the national police internal investigations service, prosecutors conclude that seven officers breached use-of-force instructions and that the method of restraint can explain his death. They are being prosecuted for this. The eighth officer was a trainee following instructions from higher-ranking colleagues. Prosecutors say the investigation did not establish that he independently took actions contributing to the death.
The case will go before the specialised chamber in Utrecht that hears criminal cases against law-enforcement officers. Prosecutors list 19 January and 15–18 February 2027 as hearing dates. The court will then deliver its decisions in all cases together.
