Minister Van Weel: Statements by Angelo Delsen (SP) do not violate police code of conduct

Minister David van Weel has determined that comments made by SP councilor and police officer Angelo Delsen do not violate the police code of conduct. Delsen, who serves on the Amsterdam city council, had previously stated his opposition to the far-right during a campaign interview. Annelotte Lammers of Groep Markuszower subsequently questioned whether such political stances were compatible with his role in law enforcement, arguing that the distinction between his two roles was irrelevant. However, the minister ruled that police employees, like any other citizen in the Netherlands, maintain their freedom of speech and are entitled to participate in political debate.

Following the inquiry, the entire Amsterdam city council issued a statement defending Delsen. The council members asserted that while political debate can be intense, using professional pressure or intimidation against elected representatives is unacceptable in a democracy. Delsen himself dismissed the controversy, suggesting that the critique against him was politically motivated. The municipal council emphasized that protecting the ability of representatives to voice their views without external harassment is essential for the function of local governance.