The Dutch national police chief has expressed outrage after an officer received so many death threats, following the chaotic arrest of a Muslim woman, that he has been forced to go into hiding with his family for several days.
“A police officer and his family are temporarily living elsewhere due to threats. Let that sink in—a police officer who works every day to keep society safe,” Janny Knol, First Chief Commissioner of the Dutch National Police, wrote on her LinkedIn yesterday.
On January 26, footage of the officer circulated widely on social media across the Netherlands, showing how the arrest of a Muslim woman spiralled out of control during a scuffle in Utrecht.
During the arrest of the veiled woman, her friend follows the officer and the suspect and moves increasingly closer, while filming with her mobile phone. The officer then kicks her, possibly to keep her at a distance.
Subsequently, the other woman — who had been walking along laughing loudly during the arrest, reportedly possibly related to shoplifting — strikes the officer with her bag. The officer then retaliates by hitting her with his baton.
The images have sparked intense public debate in the Netherlands. Supporters of the officer argue that accusations of racism are being made unjustly, while critics accuse him of excessive force and discrimination.
As the controversy escalated, the officer’s personal details were shared online, prompting serious safety concerns.
🚨 Two Muslim women brutally assaulted by Dutch police in Utrecht.
— Muslim (@Muslim) January 28, 2026
Meanwhile, the volume and seriousness of the threats have escalated to such an extent that the officer and his family are now staying at a secret location. He is said to fear for his own safety and that of his family.
Knol said the case highlights a broader and growing problem. “Every year, more than 1,200 police officers face threats. An absurd number,” she wrote.
“These are people — people who, like anyone else, can and may make mistakes. Police work is human work. Officers sometimes have to make decisions in a fraction of a second, often under difficult circumstances, while the entire world is watching and has an opinion.”
Annabel Nanninga, a right-wing JA21 party MP, criticised police leadership for initially stating that the footage appeared intense and could be perceived as discriminatory. She said the police should have unequivocally backed the officer from the start.
“That man is arresting a woman and is being approached by someone who is also carrying something, where you can’t see what’s inside it or what’s underneath it,” she said on national television show Nieuw van de Dag (News of the Day).
“That officer also has to think about his own safety.”
The incident comes amid what many describe as a wider crisis of authority facing Dutch police, marked by declining public respect and increasing hostility.
During recent New Year’s Eve disturbances, heavy fireworks were used as weapons against officers in parts of The Hague.
Commentator Shashi Roopram said on Nieuws van de Dag the focus should shift away from scrutinising the officer’s actions.
“If you want to resolve the crisis of authority, everyone should stand behind this threatened officer and stop debating his conduct,” he said, adding that some young people “justify these kinds of threats and constantly play the racism card”.
An independent review committee is investigating the use of force during the arrest. Its findings, expected on February 9, will determine whether the officer acted within reason. The two women involved have filed formal complaints over the incident.
