The images show XR activists holding a banner in front of Van Tiggelen’s car when he arrives at the parking garage of the Provincial House. Van Tiggelen then drives through the banner, after which it lands on his windshield for a short time and obstructs his view. According to Van Tiggelen, he therefore did not see Lammers.
The court questioned that statement. According to the judges, there were several moments when Van Tiggelen’s view was not obstructed and he could have seen Lammers.
The images of Lammers herself also show that the banner hung low enough to keep a view of her. When confronted, Van Tiggelen stated that he had not seen her because his attention was focused on other activists standing on the other side of his car.
Combative argument
At the end of the hearing, Lammers gave a combative speech. She said she felt like a symbol for activists who have had to deal with violence and stated that violence against activists is increasing. She said that the incident affected her emotionally, that she was anxious afterwards and suffered from nightmares. Yet she also took the opportunity to once again draw attention to her message for a better climate and a more peaceful world.
Van Tiggelen was also given the opportunity to respond at the end of the hearing. He said that at no time did he consciously want to make contact between his car and Lammers. He suggested that Lammers had deliberately thrown himself in front of the car to provoke the incident.
Taken seriously
Once outside, Lammers reacted with relief. “I initially doubted whether I should report it, but I’m glad I did it and that it was taken seriously. What the verdict will be, it doesn’t really matter to me anymore. For me it feels like I can close this. And now I’m going on to my next demonstration!”
Van Tiggelen did not want to respond after the hearing. The court will make its ruling in two weeks.
