Minister Grapperhaus and Minister Dekker inform the House of Representatives about the state of affairs regarding coronavirus measures taken in the judiciary and at the Public Prosecution Service. 

The new measures apply from April 6 on, with no established end date. The judiciary will gradually increase the number and type of cases to be heard, taking into account the necessary measures to combat the spread of COVID 19.  

Criminal cases will be heard via videolink. However, the judge, clerk and prosecutor will be present in the courtroom. Defence lawyers are allowed to appear in person or via A/V. The public character of the hearings will be safeguarded as much as possible by allowing a limited number of journalists, through public videolinks and the publication of judgements. The criminal cases given priority are cases where the suspect is detained in pre-trial detention; matters of international concern; and cases where there is a need to prolong certain measures in protection of society (e.g. TBS, PIJ, ISD).  

According to the letter, most penitentiary facilities now offer the suspect the chance of a videolink to 'attend' the hearing.  

To read the letter click here (in Dutch)

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