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Belgian police officer slaps handcuffed woman during arrest
Belgian police officer slaps handcuffed woman face in viral video sparking national outrage
In brief
Belgian police officer slaps handcuffed woman face in viral video sparking national outrage Belgian police officer used excessive force against handcuffed woman during arrest, prompting internal investigation and public backlash Originally reported by Dailymail.
Viral video shows officer slapping woman
A video shows a Belgian police officer slapping a handcuffed woman across the face while she was being arrested in Nivelles, Walloon Brabant.
“The police have no right to slap”
Woman refuses to enter police van
The woman, wearing handcuffs, refused to enter the police van after being detained, prompting the officer to use violent force.
“It's exactly these behaviours why the police are no longer respected”
Public backlash on social media
Social media users condemned the officer's actions, with many stating the police violated EU laws and human rights through excessive force.
“Belgian police are violating EU laws and human rights by beating civilians”
Police officer defended
Some social media users argued the officer had no other option when the woman resisted force, claiming she was trying to provoke violence.
“They've put on the handcuffs, so why would you refuse to get in the car after that moment?”
Internal investigation launched
Nivelles Mayor Bernard De Ro announced an internal investigation into the incident to determine the circumstances and why the officer used force.
“An internal investigation had been launched”
Prosecutors caution against premature judgment
Prosecutors urged the public not to form opinions based on social media footage, stating an investigation starting online would not be thorough.
“An investigation that begins on social media is not conducive to a thorough inquiry”
Recent French incident comparison
The incident follows a French police officer being investigated after a video showed him throwing a man to the ground, causing head injuries that led to death.
“The 29-year-old man died less than two weeks later, following the incident on June 21 at a music festival in Carcassonne, France”
French case details
In France, the man died 13 days after the incident, with an autopsy ruling out suspicious injuries but indicating the most likely cause was toxic.
“The autopsy carried out on July 9, 2026 ruled out any suspicious injuries indicating the intervention of a third party”
Belgian police response
Belgian police have faced growing public criticism over recent incidents of excessive force, with the incident in Nivelles being the latest example.
“This is absolutely not right”
Public safety concerns
The incident has raised concerns about police use of force and public safety, particularly in situations where individuals are handcuffed and resisting arrest.
“You can't maintain order if criminals aren't afraid of the police”
Human rights implications
The incident highlights the tension between law enforcement and civil liberties, with the use of excessive force potentially violating international human rights standards.
“Applying violence in moderation seems acceptable to me”
Ongoing investigation
The investigation will review what happened before the footage was recorded and why the officer used force against the woman.
“The investigation will establish the circumstances surrounding the incident”
Public reaction
Public reaction has been mixed, with some calling for accountability and others defending the officer's actions as necessary in the heat of the moment.
“The police did the right thing”
Recent incidents
This incident follows a French police officer being investigated after a video showed him throwing a man to the ground, causing head injuries that led to death.
“The 29-year-old man died less than two weeks later, following the incident on June 21 at a music festival in Carcassonne, France”
Legal implications
The incident has raised legal questions about the use of force by police officers and the potential for violations of EU laws and human rights standards.
“Belgian police are violating EU laws and human rights by beating civilians”
Public trust
The incident has damaged public trust in law enforcement, with many citizens feeling that police are becoming less accountable and more prone to excessive force.
“It's exactly these behaviours why the police are no longer respected”
The takeaway
Belgian police officer used excessive force against handcuffed woman during arrest, prompting internal investigation and public backlash
