Dutch prosecutors push for more fines, community service instead of prison
A new directive from the Dutch Public Prosecution Service aims to increase the use of fines and community service instead of seeking prison sentences, drawing sharp criticism from police officers and legal experts. Police union ACP has expressed frustration over the change, with chairman Ramon Meijerink stating, “This does not align with our sense of justice.” He warned that officers who work hard to bring cases forward will see their efforts reduced to mere fines or community service orders. “This should not be possible in our legal system,” he said, warning that “relatively serious offenses” such as child pornography possession and assault could now escape prison sentences. The Raad voor de Rechtspraak has expressed “fundamental objections” to the directive, warning that it could effectively eliminate short-term prison sentences of up to six months.
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