Criminal law expert about Brian: ‘Many people just wait for him to do something wrong’

Ms. Pruin, let’s start with the latest news: after a public threat and a police operation, the Public Prosecution Service is now investigating Brian Keller. Will there be consequences?
Ineke Pruin: There will definitely be repercussions in terms of him being investigated

Keller defended himself by saying it was all just advertising for a boxing match. But there are voices calling for preventive detention. What do you think?
It is difficult to get a reliable overall picture based on information from the press alone. Without knowing the exact facts it is impossible to judge this legally. Naturally, the intention of such statements plays a role, whether they were intended as satire or seriously.

Does it make sense for released criminals to portray themselves publicly in the media and on social networks in this way?
As a lawyer, I believe that the same rules should apply to everyone. In principle, every released criminal should be given the opportunity to appear in the media and on social networks, as long as no boundaries are crossed or criminal offenses are committed. Whether it was a particularly wise moment to provoke someone into advertising a so-called boxing match is another question.

Does a strong media presence make it more difficult for criminals to reintegrate?
If a person released from prison is constantly followed by the media and constantly under public scrutiny, this is of course difficult for that person. Reintegration can only be achieved if we regard those released from prison as normal citizens.

How should criminals whose cases are highly publicized behave?
It is important that these people are given the opportunity to reintegrate from society. When it comes to Brian Keller, you have to understand that he had a particularly strong feeling that he was being discriminated against and treated unequally. Who are we to tell him how to feel now? I see a great danger here that he will be treated differently from other people.

What do you mean?
Many just wait for him to do something that is not right. And once he does something like that, there’s a risk that it will be blown out of proportion more than other people. If he has acted legally incorrectly, then it is the job of the judiciary to investigate and not the job of the media to exploit these things.

Which way would be the right way?
The right thing to do is to provide support to those who have been made redundant if necessary and to give them an advance of confidence, that is to say, to give them the opportunity to prove themselves.

What support options are available for those released from prison?
The legal structure determines that prisoners become increasingly accustomed to freedom at different stages. The final phase – depending on the type of release – is probation assistance. There are also associations or support groups that support people who have been released from prison. The involvement of civil society on a voluntary basis is an important cornerstone. Integration depends not only on whether an offender complies with the law, but also on whether society is willing to accept him back. The worst that can happen is if those released from prison do their best, but are still repeatedly rejected and prejudiced by people.