The New Communist Party of Netherlands issued a statement condemning the brutal act of police on a pregnant woman. The images of this violence were widely shared on social media.
New Communist Party of Netherlands condemns police brutality
The NCPN condemns the appalling police violence that took place on May 19 during an arrest at an asylum seekers' center in Zeist, in which a heavily pregnant woman was thrown to the ground and dragged across the floor. This event is not an isolated incident, but is indicative of both the increasing police violence and the dehumanization of refugees and migrants.
The images of this assault, which have been widely shared in recent days, have led to great disgust and revulsion. After all, the heavily pregnant woman – who has since given birth prematurely to a baby who was fortunately born healthy – appears in no way to pose a threat to others or herself. Her husband, who reacts to this brutal violence, is subsequently severely beaten by the police and a police dog, which, after firearms, is the most severe tool that can be deployed by the police.
The conduct of these officers and the exact circumstances must be thoroughly and independently investigated so that individual and institutional responsibilities can be determined and appropriate disciplinary measures and criminal prosecution can follow.
The cowardly response of the police to this incident, who preemptively express their “trust in professionalism” while that is precisely what needs to be investigated, also provokes great indignation.
This incident does not stand alone. Excessive police violence in asylum seeker centers, but also more generally against refugees, migrants, and people with a migration background, is not an exception. This takes place within a political climate in which xenophobic, racist, and fascist views are increasingly given space and refugees and migrants are systematically dehumanized by being portrayed as a threat.
Moreover, this incident fits into a broader trend of increasing police violence and intimidation, which has also been visible in recent years at peaceful protests, demonstrations, and even poster or flyer campaigns.
The NCPN calls upon the working class to be solidary and not to accept the violence. Even well-intentioned police personnel should denounce such violence and not normalize it.
Executive Board of the NCPN