nuOct 2, 2026, 13:56

Public Prosecution Service drops case regarding death threats against Lale Gül: 'Completely abandoned'

The Public Prosecution Service has dropped a criminal case involving a death threat made against author Lale Gül in Utrecht. Gül expressed disbelief and anger over the decision, arguing that sufficient evidence existed and that she has been failed by the legal system.

Author Lale Gül has expressed deep frustration after the Public Prosecution Service decided to drop a case regarding a death threat made against her in Utrecht last November. Despite initial indications that the case would proceed to court and that the perpetrator had been identified, the prosecution ultimately cited insufficient evidence. Gül revealed that a scheduled hearing was abruptly canceled due to time constraints, leading her to believe the matter would be rescheduled rather than dismissed entirely. She finds the decision baffling, noting that the threat was explicit and clearly documented.

Feeling abandoned by the justice system, Gül criticized the perceived lack of protection for citizens, even those with a public profile. She compared the dismissal of her case to other ongoing legal proceedings in the country, arguing that clear threats of violence should be prioritized. Since the publication of her 2021 debut novel, which critiqued her upbringing, the author has faced regular threats and has frequently filed police reports regarding online harassment. The Public Prosecution Service has confirmed the case is closed but has yet to provide further clarification.

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Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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