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Loosdrecht Town Hall Vandal Gets Six Weeks in Fast-Track Trial

The swift sentence signals a tougher line on protest violence tied to plans for asylum housing.

Overview

  • Brian A., 34, was sentenced Friday in Utrecht in a fast-track hearing to six weeks in jail with two weeks suspended, and he remains in custody.
  • The judge ordered €5,000 in compensation for the municipality after finding its €35,000 damage claim was not well substantiated.
  • Prosecutors charged him with public violence and destruction and had asked for eight weeks, while the judge said a clear signal was needed as she set a lower term.
  • Police say he threw paving stones at the town hall windows at least 20 times and tried to ram the entrance with a traffic pole, and they describe him as an instigator.
  • The town plans to use the partly vacant building from 6 May as a basic shelter for about 110 asylum seekers, and police say other suspects from the protests remain under investigation.