Dutch police review force on pregnant woman at Zeist centre

Dutch police are reviewing an incident in which officers used force against a heavily pregnant woman during an arrest at an asylum seekers centre in Zeist, near Utrecht. The review was launched after video footage of the confrontation circulated widely online, drawing international condemnation and sparking a debate over police conduct.

The incident occurred on the evening of May 19 at the centre on Kampweg. Police stated they were responding to a report of vandalism and a threat involving a knife. Video from the scene shows a tense standoff between several officers, including one with a police dog, and a man and a woman. An officer is seen grabbing the woman and throwing her to the ground. The man then rushes toward the officers, leading to a physical altercation before he is restrained. Officers subsequently dragged the woman along the floor.

Authorities confirmed a 30-year-old man was arrested and later released. Online reports and social media posts identify him as Wesam Mekdad, a Palestinian from Gaza who was facing deportation proceedings and an entry ban to Europe. These details have not been officially verified by Dutch authorities, who have listed his nationality as...