Former Groningen mayor Koen Schuiling upheld guilty of public indecency on appeal

An appellate panel in Zwolle upheld the earlier verdict against former Groningen mayor Koen Schuiling, confirming a charge of public indecency for allegedly masturbating behind the wheel on the city’s ring road. The decision hinged on the credibility of a lone truck driver who reported the incident, whose statements were judged detailed, consistent and free of personal interest. Schuiling’s own explanations - that he was massaging abdominal pain after a 2019 heart operation and that his medical records proved impotence - were rejected as unconvincing and outdated.

The court also considered an audio recording made by the driver, which supported his testimony. Following the prosecution’s request, the court imposed a €250 fine. Schuiling has two weeks to appeal to the Supreme Court, a step his lawyers say offers sufficient grounds for further challenge.