A 26-year-old man is in custody, suspected of sexual assault during the King’s Day celebrations in Almere, Netherlands, on April 27, 2026. The case, which comes shortly after a similar conviction in Amsterdam, is raising concerns about safety at large public events.
Prosecutors allege the man forced a 15-year-old girl into a portable toilet, locked the door, and sexually assaulted her while she was under the influence of alcohol, according to reports from De Telegraaf. Authorities believe he took advantage of her impaired state.
The initial court hearing, scheduled in Arnhem, has been postponed at the request of the defense, who want to review police interrogation footage. The case is now set for a hearing on June 5.
This incident follows the recent sentencing of Sirio S., 28, from Italy, to 18 months in prison – with six months suspended – for the rape of an Irish woman during King’s Day festivities in Amsterdam. That case gained widespread attention on social media. A three-year sentence was requested in that case, as reported by YouTube news sources.
In the Amsterdam case, the 36-year-old Irish victim initially had no recollection of the assault, discovering the incident through viral videos online. According to initial reports, the victim and the suspect had been kissing before the assault occurred, and witnesses intervened. NH Nieuws detailed the events, noting the suspect initially offered conflicting statements to police.
Both cases have prompted increased scrutiny of security measures at large-scale events. The incidents underscore the challenges of ensuring public safety during crowded celebrations.
