The fact that one of the perpetrators of the art theft in Assen sells T-shirts and other clothing from his cell that glorify his act is “not appropriate”, but there is little that can be done about it. This is what State Secretary Van Bruggen of Justice answers to questions from JA21 MP Eerdmans.

Douglas W. started a webshop from prison at Schiphol with a clothing line that refers to the art theft from the Drents Museum. For example, T-shirts are for sale with an image of the golden helmet from Romania that was stolen.

The State Secretary is not happy about it, but as long as no criminal offenses are committed, the interests of the victims are not harmed and public order is not at risk, entrepreneurial activities of detainees cannot simply be stopped, she writes.

No legal basis

Also the fact that W. glorifies his own act with it is not in itself a reason to put an end to it. Van Bruggen: “There is no legal basis that prohibits all commercial expressions related to the offense committed.”

However, there are communication restrictions for detainees in prison. And their behavior counts in decisions about freedoms and rights, such as leave or transfers.

And, the State Secretary writes, he cannot really enjoy the money he earns from it in prison. Detainees may not have more than 250 euros in their bank account and money transfers can only be made under the supervision of an employee of the Judicial Institutions Agency (DJI).

Cell as postal address

In her answers, Van Bruggen does not discuss W’s specific case. For example, she does not provide clarity about whether W. uses the prison address as a postal address for his company.

In general, this is “not in line” with the purpose and character of a prison, but according to her, ultimately it is up to the Chamber of Commerce to determine whether that address may be used.

DJI also finds it “undesirable” for a prisoner to use the prison as a postal address for his business. But there is little that can be done legally, the organization writes in a statement.

Deal with OM

According to W.’s lawyer, the webshop was not founded by his client from prison, but by “people close to him”. W. was sentenced last month to four years in prison for his part in the art theft.

This happened after he and co-suspects had made a deal with the Public Prosecution Service. In exchange for a reduced sentence, they returned the gold helmet and two bracelets.