Dutch police to be barred from from organizing religious events, attending in uniform

Police officers may no longer organize or facilitate religious gatherings and will possibly be barred from attending them in uniforms. Insiders told De Telegraaf that police, safety regions, and Justice Minister David van Weel are reportedly striking agreements for stricter enforcement for police neutrality. Active participation in Ramadan celebrations will also allegedly be reined in.

Officers fall under the so-called lifestyle neutrality code of conduct while on duty. Given that police attend Islamic Ramadan gatherings and sometimes reportedly organize them, that neutrality has been questioned for a while.

Under the new operation framework, nearly all participation in “external religious gatherings” is expected to be restricted.

Organizing, facilitating, or attending iftar meals will reportedly be banned, De Telegraaf reports. A “functional visit" to maintain ”connection with the neighborhood or community" will be allowed.