The Hague’s alderman for Economic Affairs and the City Centre, Richard de Mos, wants to investigate whether people who used social media to encourage looting and violence can be held financially responsible for losses suffered by local businesses.
Although the feared looting did not take place on Saturday, businesses incurred costs preparing for possible unrest. According to city centre business organisation Binnenstad in Bedrijf, the financial impact runs into many thousands of euros.
Shopfronts were boarded up, additional security was hired and some shops remained closed. Businesses that stayed open also reported fewer customers and lost sales.
“It is an enormous relief that the feared looting did not happen,” De Mos said. “But that is not the end of the matter.”
He questioned why businesses should have to bear the cost of boarding up their premises, hiring security and losing income following online calls for violence.
Exploring legal options
De Mos wants to work with business organisations and legal experts to examine whether costs can be recovered from people demonstrably responsible for criminal incitement.
The proposed investigation would consider civil liability alongside criminal prosecution, including whether preventative security costs and demonstrable lost profits could be recovered under certain conditions.
De Mos acknowledged that responsibility would need to be established legally before any costs could be recovered.
“Of course, it must be legally demonstrated who is responsible for what, but we should make full use of the possibilities available,” he said.
Discussions with local businesses
Bas Winkler, chair of Binnenstad in Bedrijf, has also indicated that he wants to explore the options for recovering losses.
De Mos plans to discuss the issue with local businesses, establish the extent of the damage and investigate who could be held responsible.
The proposal remains an investigation into possible legal routes. No decision on liability or compensation has been announced in the statement.
Source: Gemeente Den Haag
Translation to English: The Hague Online
Photo: Sophia, The Hague Online