Appeal in the Dutch Hells Angels case!

The court in Arnhem will appeal on Wednesday on the ban of motorcycle club Hells Angels. The court in Utrecht ruled last year that the club in the Netherlands must be dissolved, because it is a threat to public order. According to the court, the Angels have a culture of violence.

The Public Prosecution Service launched a civil offensive a few years ago to get so-called Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMGs) banned in the Netherlands. Fourteen years ago, the judiciary launched the attack on the Hells Angels. At the time, she did not succeed in getting various departments of the club banned by court.

The club has appealed against last year's court decision. The judge ruled that the prohibition and dissolution of the club were effective immediately, but the court put a stop to this. The decision of the court must be awaited.

On behalf of the Angels, lawyer Geert-Jan Knoops has argued at the court that there is no association and that it therefore cannot be prohibited. Hells Angels motorcycle club was founded in the United States in 1948 by mainly former soldiers. About forty years ago the club also became active in the Netherlands.

In addition to those against the Hells Angels, there are still proceedings against clubs such as Satudarah, Bandidos and No Surrender. These are in different stages. For example, the Supreme Court has yet to pronounce on the ban on Satudarah. Earlier this year, the council ratified the ban on the Bandidos, but the local chapters may continue to exist. The highest court will rule on the ban on No Surrender on December 4.