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Advocaat Gerald Roethof wil agent die Jerryson neerschoot voor de rechter | Belleman & Van Dop

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News and Commentary

Podcast: Belleman & Van Dop

The podcast Belleman & Van Dop discusses multiple criminal-justice topics, with a focus on courtroom coverage and commentary. Guest: lawyer Gerald Roethof.

Main focus: the shooting death of 15-year-old Jerryon

What happened

  • The episode centers on the case of Jerryon, who was shot dead by police bullets last September.
  • An investigation conducted by the National Criminal Investigation Department concluded the officer “did nothing wrong,” and the officer was not prosecuted.

Roethof’s position

  • Gerald Roethof represents Jerryon’s biological mother.
  • He argues that, even though the prosecutor decided not to proceed, the shooting should still be reviewed to determine whether prosecution is warranted.

Article 12 procedure requested

  • Roethof says they have initiated an Article 12 procedure at the Arnhem Court of Appeal, aiming to force prosecution despite the public prosecutor’s decision.
  • He explains the process typically takes months (about 6–12 months), though it could potentially be prioritized due to the public impact.
  • He also notes that Article 12 hearings are generally not public, which conflicts with the mother’s desire for a more transparent courtroom decision.

What Roethof disputes: “shots fired from behind” and interpretation of footage

  • Roethof acknowledges his earlier public statement after the killing and says he does not regret it.
  • He insists it was “shots were fired from behind,” clarifying he meant from the perspective behind the victim, not necessarily the literal anatomy of the back.
  • He argues the key issue is that the entire file and camera footage have not yet been fully reviewed by him, and he wants deeper scrutiny, especially regarding:
    • Whether the boy’s movement (“turning around”) was caused by earlier leg shots (a rotational movement due to bullet impact)
    • Why the officer believed it was “him or me”
    • Whether any movement expert analysis was conducted
  • He emphasizes that in fatal police shootings, scrutiny must go “to the bottom,” and he criticizes what he sees as a lack of independence or completeness in how the scenarios were evaluated.

Context and emotional impact

  • Roethof describes the mother’s ongoing struggle to process the loss due to unanswered questions and the absence of prosecution.
  • He argues that “justice must not only be done, but also be seen to be done,” since Article 12 proceedings occur behind closed doors.

Other courtroom and justice updates

1) Case in The Hague: Anne Romke van der H.

  • A verdict was expected in a case involving a man suspected of threatening Princesses Amalia and Alexia.
  • Axes were found in his hotel room, with names carved into them, along with other threatening references.
  • The discussion notes:
    • Heavy cannabis use
    • Psychotic symptoms
    • Expert conclusions that he was incapacitated
  • A striking point raised: the suspect was reportedly released quickly (one day after the hearing).
    • This contrasts with the prosecution seeking TBS with compulsory treatment (a Dutch measure for mentally ill offenders), implying the final decision may not include compulsory treatment.

2) Upcoming Wednesday case: suspect accused of shooting a Dutch officer of Iranian descent

  • Roethof is also involved in a case where a suspect is accused of shooting a Dutch police officer of Iranian descent.
  • The victim is described as speaking online against the Iranian regime.
  • Roethof states his client claims:
    • No link to Iran
    • The client did not intend to kill, but intended to injure/threaten
  • Roethof says authorities may have indications of Iranian involvement, but he argues that—based on his documents—there are no “hard indications” linking the suspect to Iran in a way he can substantiate.

3) Upcoming appeal (starting Monday): Richard K.

  • The podcast mentions a high-level appeal in the case of Richard K, convicted of the life imprisonment murder of Sam and Ineke.
  • The described background involves a neighbor dispute, which escalated after claims of hidden defects.
  • The defense argues Richard K was not fully accountable due to brain damage caused by repeated TIAs.

“Fun tip” segment

  • Saskia Belleman recommends watching crime series like CSI, joking about the unrealistic forensic tropes.
  • She also recommends La Captura on Netflix—Spanish-language and based on true facts—about police confronting an extremely powerful criminal (El Chapo).

Presenters / contributors

  • Jul van Dop — host/presenter
  • Saskia Belleman — host/presenter; court reporter
  • Schul van Dop — listed in subtitles as the host name; co-host/presenter
  • Gerald Roethof — guest lawyer

Original video