# Belgian police officer slaps handcuffed woman during arrest

> Belgian police officer slaps handcuffed woman face in viral video sparking national outrage
- Title: Belgian police officer slaps handcuffed woman during arrest
- Summary: Belgian police officer slaps handcuffed woman face in viral video sparking national outrage Belgian police officer used excessive force against handcuffed…
- Keywords: belgium, police, arrest, handcuffs, violence, social media, nivelles, walloon brabant, belgian police, human rights, eu laws, public safety
- Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/news/article-16135701/Belgian-police-officer-filmed-brutally-slapping-handcuffed-woman-face.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss
- Published: 2026-09-16T12:17:50+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: belgium, police, arrest, handcuffs, violence, social media, nivelles, walloon brabant, belgian police, human rights, eu laws, public safety
## 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
## Key takeaway

Belgian police officer used excessive force against handcuffed woman during arrest, prompting internal investigation and public backlash