Dutch police prohibited from organizing external religious gatherings

The Dutch police are no longer permitted to organize or facilitate external religious gatherings, such as iftars, though they may still attend them to maintain community contact. This policy change aims to ensure strict neutrality, as Minister of Justice and Security David van Weel emphasized that the police must not appear to express specific religious convictions.

While internal religious celebrations, such as Christmas gatherings, remain permitted within the force, the ban applies to all external events with a religious character to avoid perceived distinctions between faiths.

Hera Butt, a local council member from Pro, criticized the decision, arguing that such gatherings are vital for building connections and bridging the gap between the police and the community. She expressed concern that restricting the police's ability to engage in these meaningful social interactions could hinder their effectiveness in the field.