First Fine Under Dutch Law Against Street Harassment in Rotterdam

A Dutch man was fined for harassing a woman in the first use of a new law combatting sexual harassment in public spaces. The law includes penalties for unwanted touching and inappropriate gestures. Evidence was provided by an undercover team deployed in Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Arnhem.

A Dutch court has fined a man for harassing and intimidating a woman on the streets of Rotterdam, marking the first use of a new law enacted in July. The legislation aims to address sexual harassment in public areas, imposing penalties for unwanted touching, comments, and gestures.

The 33-year-old man received a fine of 100 euros ($110) with an additional 180 euros payable if he reoffends. The conviction was based on evidence collected by a specialized undercover team. This pilot project targets offenders in cities like Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Arnhem by deploying surveillance teams to catch perpetrators in the act.

The court stated that it was evident the undercover team had witnessed the man harassing the woman by calling out, approaching her, and placing his hands on her hips. "Sexually intimidating someone on the streets like that makes people feel unsafe and restricts them from being themselves in public," the court emphasized. Justifying the use of undercover surveillance, the court reiterated that the law defines intimidation as intrusive sexual advances through remarks, gestures, sounds, or touching that are terrifying, humiliating, or offensive. The regulation applies both online and in physical public spaces. ($1 = 0.9040 euros)

(With inputs from agencies.)