Netherlands
Editorial
Dutch police have finally stood up to the Hells Angels, said Amsterdam’s De Telegraaf in an editorial. The international motorcycle gang has used Amsterdam as the base for its European crime operations for years. This week, in a huge sweep, police arrested 45 members of the group on suspicion of drug dealing, assault, extortion, and arms trafficking. In the illegal arsenal the cops found bazookas, flame-throwers, machine guns, and hand grenades. Hardly the appropriate props for what is supposed to be a “motorcycle enthusiasts’ club.” Of course, everyone knew that the Angels in Europe were involved in crime, just as their founding fathers in America are. But there was always a “widespread popular impression that the Angels could do whatever they wanted.” They seemed untouchable. “Thank heavens, that impression has now been erased.” The next step might very well be “to ban the organization outright.”
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Minnesota's legal system buckles under Trump's ICE surgeIN THE SPOTLIGHT Mass arrests and chaotic administration have pushed Twin Cities courts to the brink as lawyers and judges alike struggle to keep pace with ICE’s activity
-
Big-time money squabbles: the conflict over California’s proposed billionaire taxTalking Points Californians worth more than $1.1 billion would pay a one-time 5% tax
-
‘The West needs people’Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
