The Dutch are violating the United Nations Covenant on Civil and Political Rights by refusing appeal to people who are convicted in minor criminal cases, according to a recent statement by the UN Human Rights Committee in Geneva. The Netherlands' Ministry of Justice has confirmed the UN statement to daily NRC Handelsblad.
The UN Committee was acting on a complaint from a demonstrator who found he was unable to appeal against a 200 euro fine. Dutch law states that no appeals are possible for fines below 100 euros, while appeals against fines up to 500 are subject to the court's approval. If the presiding judge is of the view that a review will not change the verdict, the court can refuse the appeal.
The Dutch Justice Ministry is considering how to respond to the charge made by the UN.
© Radio Netherlands Worldwide
(Link: The UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights)
Email this Bulletin
Printer-friendly version
