Court clerk had marijuana plantation

March 31, 2008 - Amsterdam

A female clerk from the Amsterdam courthouse is suspected of having a marijuana plantation in her house. The woman, H.E.M., has received disciplinary measures.

A spokesperson for the courthouse, located in the Parnassusweg in Amsterdam, assures that the woman has been taken in for questioning. About the type of disciplinary measures the court makes no further statements. The woman is apparently suspended, while waiting for the investigation conducted by the public prossecution service. The prossecution service does not want to confirm this.

Colleagues of the suspect, who was working in the department of family matters, find the alleged behaviour of the woman schandalous. "She’s not yet proven guilty, but she didn’t receive disciplinary measures for nothing ", said one of them. "A civil servant has an exemplary function. From such a person you expect an integrous behaviour, especially if they work in a courthouse". The courthouse spokesperson: "The behaviour of the employee in question is not suitable for a civil servant".

According to sources in the courthouse the leaders are finding this problem hard to handle. They would prefer to keep the case away from all publicity. Namely the fact that penalties are given in the building to those who have commited a crime, and now one of their own people has made a mistake is a painful experience for the courthouse.

According to the defense lawer, Sophie Sassen, her client was connected to this marijuana plantation against her will.