Video Shows Belgian Police Officer Slapping Handcuffed Woman
The incident, which occurred in Nivelles, has led to an internal investigation and sparked outrage online.
A video circulating on social media shows a police officer in Nivelles, Belgium, slapping a handcuffed woman across the face before pushing her into a police van. The incident has prompted an internal investigation and ignited public outcry.
The footage captures three officers attempting to place the woman into the vehicle. When she appears to resist, one male officer delivers a slap to her face and then forcefully shoves her inside. Two female officers are visible nearby during the encounter. The reason for the woman's initial detention is not immediately clear.
Social media users have widely condemned the officer's actions, with many calling for his dismissal and decrying the alleged abuse of power. Commenters expressed concern over the use of force against an already restrained individual, with some questioning if the incident violated human rights.
However, some viewers defended the officer, suggesting his actions were necessary for managing a difficult individual. Conversely, others asserted that such behavior undermines public trust in law enforcement.
Nivelles Mayor Bernard De Ro, who also leads the local police district, confirmed that an internal investigation is underway to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and the officer's use of force. Authorities have advised against forming conclusions based solely on the viral clip.
This event follows a separate police brutality incident in France, where an officer is under investigation after video emerged of him throwing a man to the ground. That incident, which occurred during a response to a noise complaint at a music festival, led to the man's cardiac arrest. While an initial autopsy did not indicate third-party injuries, prosecutors have launched a judicial review into the officer for intentional violence.