Domestic
Police to Cease Organizing Religious Celebrations for Outsiders to Maintain Neutrality
The Dutch police will stop organizing public religious gatherings, such as Ramadan iftars, starting January 1, 2027, to uphold strict neutrality. Corps Chief Janny Knol stated that hosting such events could imply endorsement of specific beliefs, contradicting the force's neutral stance. While internal religious meetings remain permitted, officers may not perform rituals at external events. This policy shift responds to parliamentary pressure from parties including the PVV, VVD, and SGP, who argued that previous practices compromised police impartiality. Justice Minister David van Weel supported the change, emphasizing the importance of a neutral government and strong community ties.
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