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Public Violence in Leiden: What You Need to Know

Public violence in Leiden involves group violence in public, punishable under Article 141 of the Criminal Code. Read more about the definition, penalties, and legal assistance in Leiden.

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Public violence involves committing violence in a group in public against people or property. This offense is specifically punishable due to the increased threat and intimidation that group violence entails.

Definition of Public Violence

According to Article 141 of the Criminal Code, it is punishable to use violence openly and in a group against persons or goods. The conditions are:

  • Openly - The violence takes place at a publicly accessible location
  • In a group - At least two persons are involved
  • Violence - Directed against people and/or possessions

Examples in Leiden

  • A fight after a local sports event
  • Unrest during a demonstration in the city center
  • Violence by a group in the nightlife area around Breestraat
  • Vandalism by a crowd in a shopping street
  • Incidents during a festival or public event

Penalties

  • Standard offense: Up to 4 years and 6 months imprisonment
  • In case of serious injury: Up to 6 years imprisonment
  • In case of death as a result: Up to 9 years imprisonment

Participation in Violence

It is not necessary that you yourself have used physical violence to be punishable. Active involvement in the violent action, such as encouraging or supporting, can already lead to criminal liability.

Difference from Assault

Assault involves violence by an individual, whereas public violence concerns group behavior. Both charges can be brought simultaneously.

Group Liability

In the case of violence by a group, it is often difficult to determine who did what. The legislation therefore makes participation in the group punishable, regardless of the exact role of an individual.

Frequently Asked Questions about Public Violence in Leiden

What does public violence mean in Leiden? Public violence is the commission of violence in a group at public places, such as a fight after an event in the city center or unrest during a demonstration at the Town Hall. This is punishable under Article 141 of the Criminal Code and requires that the violence takes place openly and with multiple persons.
What are the penalties for public violence in Leiden? The standard penalty is a maximum of 4 years and 6 months imprisonment. In case of serious injury, this can increase to 6 years, and in case of death to 9 years. In Leiden, the penalty may be heavier depending on the situation.
Do I have to have used violence myself to be punishable in Leiden? No, committing physical violence is not required. Actively participating in a violent action, such as supporting or encouraging, already makes you punishable under the law.
What distinguishes public violence from assault in Leiden? Assault concerns an individual perpetrator, while public violence involves group violence. Both can be charged together, for example in an incident in the nightlife around the Oude Rijn.
How does group liability work in Leiden? In group violence, it is often difficult to prove individual actions. The law therefore states that participation in the group is punishable, regardless of who did what. This applies, for example, to riots in the Leiden city center.
Can I get legal assistance if accused of public violence in Leiden? Yes, you can engage a criminal lawyer for assistance. In Leiden, you can also contact the Juridisch Loket at Stationsweg 46 for free advice. Additionally, there are law firms near the District Court of The Hague, Leiden location.
What are specific examples of public violence in Leiden? Think of fights after a sports match, riots during a protest on the Beestenmarkt, nightlife violence in the area around the Nieuwe Rijn, or destruction of shops on the Haarlemmerstraat by a group.