The police arrested five so-called pedo hunters who used violence against their victim in Arnhem. That man, who thought he was meeting a girl, was also arrested.
The incident was Saturday evening in Park Sonsbeek. The man had been lured there by someone posing as a girl. The five had agreed in a private WhatsApp group to expose the man, writes Gelderland broadcaster.
When he arrived at the park in his car, another driver ran into him and his door was pulled open. A struggle ensued outside the car, in which the man was injured in the face. Witnesses called the police.
‘Never play in your own court’
The police decided to arrest the pedo hunters, because “on the basis of camera images and statements, the image does not arise that it was necessary to use violence against the man”. These are men between 19 and 36 years old from Gelderland, Utrecht and Overijssel. They are suspected of open violence.
The injured man is from Gelderland. He is suspected of wanting to make an appointment with a minor and possibly having sex. All suspects have been released pending the investigation.
The police are not happy with pedo hunters. “It should never be the intention that citizens play their own judge,” said a spokesman. “Report to the police if you suspect that someone is guilty of child abuse. The police will investigate these suspicions and intervene immediately if necessary. For example if a child is in danger.”
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