The family of 16-year-old Jouke, who was shot in his tractor on Tuesday, is awaiting the investigation of the National Criminal Investigation Department before making a decision about a possible report against the agent who opened fire on him. According to his mother, Jouke issued a statement on Saturday to the National Criminal Investigation Department, which is investigating the incident during a farmers’ protest near Heerenveen.
“We are waiting for the Public Prosecution Service to decide what should be done,” said the mother. According to her, all the puzzle pieces must first be put together. “Jouke drove all the way at the back and did not receive anything about what happened and why the officer would have felt so attacked.”
A conversation with the relevant agent, which the family would like, is probably not possible for the time being, she suspects. He is currently sick at home.
Miscalculation
Chief Commissioner Gery Veldhuis of the Northern Netherlands police unit said in NRC that he thinks the officer made a wrong assessment. Initially, Jouke was suspected of attempted manslaughter, but that case has since been dropped. The mother reacts somewhat surprised to the statements of the police chief and thinks it is a bit too early to say anything about it.
The family is overwhelmed with statements of support, the mother continues. “It is overwhelming how people react. We receive a lot of cards from all over the Netherlands, but also balloons, flowers and cakes. You can think of it that way.”