Dutchman arrested in Moscow for hitting a police officer

The Dutch embassy in Moscow. Photo: AndyVolykhov via Wikimedia Commons

A Dutch national has reportedly been arrested in Moscow for hitting a police officer after a dispute over a traffic sign.

Russian media have named the man as 64-year-old Harry van Wurden or Voorden, who is said to have hit the officer near a metro station in the heart of Moscow. According to local reports, Van W tripped over a plastic traffic sign and then kicked it in anger. When spoken to by a police officer he lashed out, hitting him.

The Russian authorities have reportedly started a criminal investigation. The “use of violence against a government official,” is punishable by up to five years in prison.

An American national has been in custody in Moscow since August for also hitting a police officer following an incident at a hotel.

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