Headline: Dutch Prosecutors Seek 8-Year Sentence for Ex-Fashion Platform Head on Rape Charges
Amsterdam, 16 September 2024 — Dutch prosecutors have recommended an eight-year prison sentence for the former head of Amsterdam fashion platform Moam, Martijn N., on charges of rape, criminal sexual acts with minors, and attempted aggravated assault. The recommendation was made public during the ongoing trial against the 36-year-old defendant.
Martijn N. was a prominent figure in the Amsterdam fashion scene, connecting young talent with established designers. However, his reputation was tarnished after 28 men came forward with allegations of violent and sexually transgressive behavior in articles published in NRC and Parool in 2021. He was arrested in January 2022 but was mainly allowed to await trial on bond.
The Public Prosecution Service (OM) has included nine additional reports of sexual offences in their indictment, covering a period from 2011 to 2021. The prosecutor argued that the testimony about these incidents can be presented as evidence because they corroborate each other, and N. is alleged to have consistently used similar methods to prey on his victims.
According to the OM, N. frequently made contact with young, sexually inexperienced boys from outside Amsterdam through social media. He would meet them at his home, where he would become dominant and rough during sexual encounters, often overwhelming his victims, who were unable to resist due to his mental manipulation and physical dominance.
The prosecutor highlighted that N. did not recognize the harm he caused, stating, His own pleasure and gratification were leading. N. has reportedly claimed that he uses boys but does not abuse them, a sentiment the authorities strongly reject, arguing that he took advantage of his position to commit these crimes.
Despite N.’s assertions that he did not cross any boundaries, the Public Prosecution Service maintains that he fails to understand the impact of his actions on his victims. He denies that he went way too far and puts the problem squarely on the victim, the prosecutor said.
The attempted aggravated assault charge stems from an incident in Stockholm in 2015, where an argument between N. and a friend escalated into violence, resulting in the friend’s injury.
Defense attorneys for Martijn N. are scheduled to present their final plea on Wednesday.
Stay tuned for further updates on this story.
Tags: Amsterdam, Fashion, Rape, Sexual Assault, Moam, Martijn N., Stockholm, Grindr, Sweden, Attempted Aggravated Assault, Amsterdam Court
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