OM is not prosecuting Akwasi for ‘inflammatory’ statement about Zwarte Piet on the Dam | Inland

According to the Public Prosecution Service, the ruling is ‘inciting’ and therefore punishable. But after talking to the prosecutor and his lawyer, Akwasi has pledged to publicly distance himself from his words, which he has now done.

The Public Prosecution has therefore decided to conditionally dismiss the case. If Akwasi commits another criminal offense within a year, he will have to answer to court not only for that new offense but also for the decision on June 1, 2020, according to the judiciary.

The Public Prosecution says it is aware of the old tweets from Akwasi that came into the publicity last week. “Reports about this have now been received by the police. These declarations are still being assessed. ”

In shock

After the demonstration on Dam Square, 44 reports were received by the Public Prosecution Service. During the conversation with the officer, Akwasi said that he was shocked.

On his social media, Akwasi says of the offending statement: “These words have caused a lot of uproar because unfortunately they have been misinterpreted by some as an announcement that I would use violence. I would like to unequivocally emphasize that this was not the intention of this imagery: I am against any form of violence. ”

He also says he distances himself from his “recently surfaced, brash and hurtful tweets about Black Pete from about ten years ago.” Reports have also been received about those tweets. Justice is still studying it.

According to the OM, Akwasi has incited violence with the ruling on Dam Square. It makes no difference that he said that he would take care of Zwarte Piet ‘in person’. “In view of the exemplary function he fulfills through his speech and entire performance, others may have been inspired – or strengthened in this – to commit violence themselves,” said the OM.

The Public Prosecution deems it of great importance for Akwasi to distance himself from his words, “precisely in order to ensure that the risk of violence decreases and everyone can feel safe during the upcoming Sinterklaas period.” With the conditional mockery, the Justice Department wanted to settle the case in a way that does justice to the seriousness of the situation and that ‘sets an example for the future.’

Akwasi says he will continue to get involved in the social debate “as a musician, poet and program maker”, but promises to choose his words “more carefully”.

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