Suspect in Emmauscollege cartoon case demands end of prosecution | Inland

The woman posted a message on social media about the print by draftsman Joep Bertrams, which was hung by a teacher in a classroom. After threats, the teacher involved was forced to go into hiding. In addition to Jebbink’s client, the police arrested a 17-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man in connection with the case. The trio was released after a short time.

The woman, an ex-pupil of Emmaus College, complains in the offending report about the print which she says shows a lack of respect. The cartoon was created by cartoonist Joep Bertrams after the attack on the editorial staff of the satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo in Paris. A number of students at the school saw the prophet Muhammad in it and demanded that the drawing be removed, because it would be ‘blasphemy’.

In a detailed letter to the public prosecutor, lawyer Jebbink explains that his client was not guilty of sedition. “Then there must be incitement to any criminal offense or violence,” said counsel. “But that is not the case in this case. It is remarkable that the police do not clarify why the suspicion is justified. She cannot be held responsible for the fact that others have apparently seen cause in the statement posted by the client to make threats. Her expression is not virulent or inciting in tone, but rather controlled, contemplative and passive. ”

According to Jebbink, women “like every Dutch person are protected by freedom of expression.” He points out that the arrest had major consequences for her. “The case has received a lot of and very negative attention in the media and in politics. All of that is now reflected on my client. In the light of the frivolous suspicion I consider that very bad. ”

The OM says in a response that the investigation is still in full swing. “We will not make a decision until it has been finalized,” said a spokesman.

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