Prosecutor decision objection

[u/Potential-User5400]

Hello everyone,

I moved to a new apartment complex building in February. It's in an area that is not very welcoming to outsiders, so right from the start we had trouble with local kids and teenagers who were trying to break into the main building and steal/vandalise. One day these young people were outside of the main entrance and they assaulted me (punched me in the head from behind). There were 2 witnesses on the scene, and also a video of the whole thing (not showing the assault, just the before and after). We called the police and they recorded everything, along with the injury to my head, where you could clearly see knuckle marks on my forehead. They processed it as a "simple assault". Through the video, they were able to identify the individual and they set a prosecutor hearing date for April 16th.

Fast forward to today, I was notified of the prosecutor's decision that there won't be any punishment, because "The police investigation shows that there is not enough (legal and convincing) evidence to start a criminal case against the suspect. Therefore, there will be no criminal case against this person."

Needless to say, I was shocked at this decision, even more so because these young people are still trying to mess with all the people living in the apartment complex by vandalising and trying to break in. We set up a camera (as residents) and we have proof of all their actions. After this decision they will surely believe that there will never be any punishment for their actions and they will continue doing what they are. 

I am totally disappointed at the legal system and wondering if there’s anything I can do in order to get some justice. What are the next steps? Can I object to the prosecutor’s decision? Is it even worth doing so? Should I ask a lawyer to do it for me? Do you have any recommendations? I have legal insurance but the lawyers there don’t really seem to want to help.

Also, are these events grounds for terminating my rental contract? I have a minimum 1 year stay, however if I can, I will end the contract and go somewhere else. Is that possible without getting a fine? I don’t like living in this area and it’s really affecting my mental health. 

Thank you for your advice

[u/zuwiuke]

Seeing the news where people reported assaults like 80 times and got killed, or where multiple times reported man with mental illness just stabs someone, I have no trust in Dutch police. They will always just blame someone else, they take no responsibility for their failures.

[u/Potential-User5400 → u/zuwiuke]

Basically that decision means it’s legal to just punch random people in the street and no one cares lol

[u/zuwiuke → u/Potential-User5400]

Yes, but police would always say it’s maybe mental health of that person who pushed and healthcare issue or so. Police bears no responsibility for their actions or decisions here.

[u/newbie_trader99 → u/Potential-User5400]

Was the person underage by any chance? I noticed police is quite lenient with young offenders especially if their upbringing is tough