Netherlands Weighs Pepper Spray After Migrant Murder of Teen
5th September 2025
The Dutch justice minister is considering lifting the country’s decades-old ban on pepper spray after the murder of a 17-year-old girl by an asylum seeker ignited public anger over immigration and the government’s failure to protect its citizens.
Justice Minister David van Weel told parliament he is exploring whether civilians, particularly women, should be allowed to carry pepper spray for self-defence. The small canisters, which temporarily disable attackers, are currently classed as prohibited weapons under Dutch law. Possession can result in hefty fines or even a criminal record.
The debate follows the killing of Lisa, a teenager who was fatally stabbed on August 20th while cycling home near Amsterdam’s Johan Cruyff Arena. Prosecutors have charged a 22-year-old migrant with murder and rape. The man, whose identity has not been confirmed because he lacks documents, was already suspected of sexual offences before the attack.