The Dutch public prosecution service has announced it will prosecute a 16-year-old boy on charges of attempted serious assault for an incident involving politician Thierry Baudet last year. The teenager, who was 15 at the time, allegedly hit Baudet, the leader of Forum voor Democratie, with a beer bottle at a café in Groningen. Baudet was taken to a hospital for treatment following the incident.
The altercation occurred as the politician was about to take a photo with the boy after an event for the House of Representatives elections. Another suspect, the defendant’s twin brother, was also arrested, although it remains unclear if he will face charges as well. Several politicians condemned the assault, labeling it as “unacceptable.”
The upcoming trial is set to take place in the fall behind closed doors to protect the youth’s identity. The public prosecution service has stated, “[n]o further substantive information will be provided until the substantive hearing” (RTV Noord).
In the Netherlands, youths aged 12 to 17 can be sent to a crime prevention program for minor offenses. However, the decision to prosecute indicates that the authorities do not consider this case minor. Prosecuted juveniles receive a summons to the juvenile court under Section two of the Dutch Code of Criminal Procedure. The Youth Act applies to such cases, allowing the court to impose alternative sanctions, such as unpaid work or a training project, instead of a custodial sentence.
The incident adds to the growing list of security concerns for politicians across Europe and raises questions about adequate protection measures during public engagements.