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The Dutch justice minister is considering lifting the country’s decades-old ban on pepper spray after the murder of a 17-year-old girl by an asylum seeker ignited public anger over immigration and the government’s failure to protect its citizens.
Justice Minister David van Weel told parliament he is exploring whether civilians, particularly women, should be allowed to carry pepper spray for self-defence. The small canisters, which temporarily disable attackers, are currently classed as prohibited weapons under Dutch law. Possession can result in hefty fines or even a criminal record.
The debate follows the killing of Lisa, a teenager who was fatally stabbed on August 20th while cycling home near Amsterdam’s Johan Cruyff Arena. Prosecutors have charged a 22-year-old migrant with murder and rape. The man, whose identity has not been confirmed because he lacks documents, was already suspected of sexual offences before the attack.
The case has fuelled national outrage ahead of October’s parliamentary elections. Football fans have staged protests, chanting against asylum centres and holding minute-long tributes during matches. Banners reading “Enough is enough” have appeared in stadiums across the country.
At the same time, feminist groups have launched a campaign called ‘We Reclaim the Night,’ raising over €500,000 for public safety measures and organising night-time marches in at least 19 cities. Amsterdam’s mayor Femke Halsema called the murder “appalling and unforgivable,” admitting that the safety of women “is not self-evident, and that is a disgrace to our society.”
Van Weel said allowing pepper spray would not solve the broader problem but could provide “an ultimate remedy” for those needing immediate protection. He has promised to examine whether the change could be made “quickly and simply,” alongside reviewing policing, street lighting, and crime prevention.
The Party for Freedom (PVV), led by Geert Wilders and currently topping some polls, noted it is the only party with pepper spray legalisation in its election manifesto. “We have been drafting a bill for months,” the PVV said, urging the ruling VVD party to back it.
Lisa’s death has intensified pressure on the government over its handling of immigration and public safety, with opponents arguing the suspect should have been deported after earlier crimes. As investigations continue, calls for tougher security measures are growing louder.
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