Amsterdam courier plans assault report after police Taser incident

The incident happened on 29 October in Runstraat, in central Amsterdam. Police said the courier’s van was blocking traffic and that he refused to move it or provide identification. He was arrested and later released with three fines, local broadcaster AT5 reported.

Roethof said his client could not immediately produce his driving licence because it was in the van. He said the courier pushed the officer’s hand away reflexively after the officer pushed him towards a wall. The lawyer called the Taser use unnecessary and contrary to police rules on the use of force.

AT5 reported that footage showed the courier briefly holding the officer’s wrist before the Taser was used. Police said the officer had deliberately chosen the weapon and considered it the only way to bring the situation under control. They cautioned that short clips did not show the full background to the encounter.

A shop worker who witnessed the incident also described the Taser use as unnecessary. Roethof said his client had suffered physical and psychological injuries.

The courier has already lodged a complaint with police. In an interview reported by Metro on 2 November, Roethof said his client believed a complaint alone was not enough and intended to report the officer for assault. AT5 reported that the Taser use would be assessed for necessity and proportionality, as is standard when police use force.