The defense of former lawyer Inez Weski has filed a complaint against the government for the way she was detained, alleging unlawful deprivation of liberty. This complaint comes in light of recent findings by the Inspection Justice and Security, which concluded that Weski was held for nine days "partly outside the protection of the law" at an undisclosed location following her arrest in 2023. The lack of supervision during her detention has raised serious concerns about the legality of her treatment.
In court proceedings held in Rotterdam, Weski's lawyers argued for an extensive investigation into the conditions of her detention. They expressed outrage at the Public Prosecution Service (OM), accusing it of deliberately and systematically violating the rules and attempting to obscure the truth regarding Weski's confinement. Lawyer Carry Knoops described the conditions under which Weski was held, stating, "She was in isolation with fifty anonymous rotating guards in an underground atomic bunker under Kamp Zeist, and she was not allowed to know where she was, nor was her environment, as if she had disappeared from the face of the earth." This depiction paints a chilling picture of Weski's experience, suggesting a severe breach of her rights.
Weski, who is 70 years old, was not present at the hearing on April 10, 2025. She is currently suspected of involvement in the criminal organization of her former client, Ridouan Taghi, and his sons. Allegedly, she facilitated communication regarding drug trafficking and money laundering between Taghi and others while he was incarcerated. Despite the serious nature of these allegations, the OM has yet to provide any new updates on the case.
According to her defense team, the conditions of Weski's detention were not only unlawful but also amounted to torture. They claim that she faced life-threatening situations, including two instances where her health deteriorated due to extremely low blood sugar levels. The guards reportedly lacked the knowledge to manage her medication properly, exacerbating her precarious health situation. After spending nine days in isolation, she was transferred to the women's prison in Nieuwersluis.
Weski's lawyers are pushing for further investigation into not only her nine days in the bunker but also her initial stay at the police station in Houten, where the lights were kept on continuously for fear that she might attempt suicide. This detail adds another layer of concern regarding the treatment she received during her detention. "The trampling of others' human rights must never be rewarded," Knoops stated, questioning whether the OM has forfeited its right to prosecute in this case.
A year prior to her arrest, Weski published a book titled Het geluid van de stilte, in which she detailed her experiences of being held in a secret location after her arrest. In the book, she suggested that the government’s actions were intended to break her spirit and even suggested they could lead to her death. The OM dismissed these claims as "total nonsense," but her lawyers argue that the treatment she received contradicts the principles of justice and human rights.
The recent developments have sparked a significant debate about the legality and ethics of Weski's detention. Both Dutch law and international treaties prohibit such treatment, raising questions about accountability for the Public Prosecution Service. The court is yet to decide whether to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Weski's imprisonment, which could have far-reaching implications for the case against her.
As the judicial proceedings continue, the focus remains on the treatment of individuals in custody and the responsibilities of the authorities to uphold human rights standards. The outcome of Weski's case may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, particularly concerning the rights of detainees and the obligations of the state to protect those rights.
In the coming days, the court will also determine whether judges will personally inspect the secret location where Weski was held. This decision could provide crucial insights into the conditions she endured and the legality of her detention. The implications of this case extend beyond Weski herself, highlighting systemic issues within the justice system that demand urgent attention and reform.
