A group of citizens conducted their own ‘border controls’ on Saturday evening at the border between Ter Apel and Rütenbrock, Germany. Police confirmed this to NU.nl following reports by RTV Noord. The group stopped and checked an unknown number of cars.
According to RTV Noord, the vehicle checks for asylum seekers initially took place on the German side of the border. There, the group stopped a van, but it turned out to belong to the German police, who sent them to the Dutch side of the border. The action continued there for some time in the parking lot of a Chinese restaurant.
The police of Northern Netherlands told NU.nl that officers went to the scene after a report. The group was addressed, but no criminal offenses were found on the spot. However, those present were instructed not to go on the road. The police declined to comment further.
Participants in the action told the AD that they are angry about what they see as inadequate Dutch border controls. They claim that controls are much stricter on the German side of the border.
Photos show the group wearing reflective clothing and yellow vests, similar to those worn by the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee. They also have a lamp with them that appears to be similar to the one the police use at roadside checks.
Insufficient information about photos
The police spokesperson is aware of the photos but says that there is insufficient information known about the images. Therefore, it cannot be determined that the group has committed criminal offenses, such as posing as marechaussee. Also, a car may not be searched just like that.
A citizen’s arrest is permitted when you catch someone in the act of a crime. This is allowed under article 53 of the Dutch Code of Criminal Procedure.
The purpose of the arrest is that you wait until the police arrive. A certain degree of coercion and violence is permitted. But that must be proportionate to the offense.