Rotterdam justice brings two men to court for bullying the street

Two men are scheduled to appear in Rotterdam District Court next month because they are suspected of street intimidation. Their case is December 19, confirms the public prosecutor in the port city. This is the first time that suspects are tried because of the so-called "sisverbod" that applies in Rotterdam.

Also read this interview with Joost Eerdmans. Alderman was the driving force behind the prohibition of Rotterdam

Justice does not yet say how old men are or where they live. It's also hard to know what they would have done exactly. It is certain that they were caught in the act by the forces of order between June and the end of September. One of the men is suspicious in two separate cases, the other in one case. If they are found guilty, they may be fined up to € 4,100 or three months imprisonment.

In the case against the two men, the Attorney General also wants to see how much the persecution is promising because of street bullying. "This also concerns the legal judgment, this has never been done before," said a spokesman. What will happen with four other cases that the prosecution has still pending depends, among other things, on the district court's verdict on its decision next month.

Ask for sex and pursue sex

The ban on street bullying is listed in the General Regulation of Rotterdam (APV) since last June. These include calling women, asking for sex, insulting and prosecuting women. The "sizzle" to women is also part of the measure – hence the term "sisverbod" which quickly became synonymous with the ban.

See also: Disorders in the street: almost ordinary

Previously, the authorities could only act against this street harassment if the victim made a statement. This changed when the ban came to AVV. The statement is no longer necessary, which means that one can also tackle mowers after an act.

Rotterdam, where 84% of women were harassed, is not the only city to prohibit street bullying. Tilburg and Amsterdam have also taken such a step. The fact that the city sends police forces to the streets to catch offenders is unique. The municipality has been criticized in recent months because it took a long time before the suspects were brought to justice.