meerdere malen bedreigd in haren: leerlingen gedwongen tot knielen en excuses
Haren, dinsdag, 14 april 2026.
Leerlingen van het Harens Lyceum en Catalaanse uitwisselingsscholieren zijn op één dag tijdens twee losstaande incidenten bedreigd in Haren. Bij beide gevallen werd gebruikgemaakt van een wapen, al dan niet echt, en werden jongeren gedwongen op hun knieën te gaan en excuses aan te bieden. De hele situatie werd gefilmd. Het eerste incident vond plaats bij het treinstation, het tweede bij de Albert Heijn in het centrum. De daders waren onbekend en hadden geen band met de school. De school is geschokt en roept leerlingen op om voortaan in groepen te reizen. De politie doet onderzoek naar de ernstige intimidatie en vernedering van de jongeren.
two incidents in one day
On Monday, April 13, 2026, two separate but similar incidents occurred in Haren, targeting students from the Harens Lyceum and visiting Catalan exchange pupils. During both confrontations, youths were threatened, made to kneel, and forced to say sorry while being recorded. One involved a lone suspect near Haren train station, the other included multiple suspects near the local Albert Heijn. Neither group of perpetrators had ties to the school. The school confirmed its shock over the events [1]. Police responded promptly after reports from staff and parents [2].
threats under duress
In the first incident, a small group of Catalan students walking to a sports event were approached near Haren railway station. They encountered a young male who claimed he felt insulted by them. He then brandished what appeared to be a firearm, though its authenticity remains unclear. Under threat, the students were forced to kneel and apologize, actions which were filmed on a mobile device. Afterward, they continued their journey. The school described the situation as deeply distressing [1]. Authorities were notified through internal reporting channels [2].
second attack amplifies fear
Later that same day, another group of students—both Dutch and Catalan—were confronted near the Albert Heijn supermarket in central Haren. Again, individuals under suspicion produced a weapon and ordered the teenagers to kneel and apologize. Video footage was captured during this second encounter as well. Students were released afterward without physical injury but left traumatized. The recurrence of such behavior heightened anxiety among families and educators alike [1]. No arrests have been announced yet [2].
school responds with caution
Team leader Hans Warris stated the school community is profoundly shaken by the harassment and public degradation of minors. He emphasized that although victims were affiliated with the institution, the attackers were strangers unrelated to the school environment. As a precautionary measure, the administration now strongly advises all students to travel in groups rather than alone. This guidance applies particularly between activities across town. The message has been communicated directly to parents via official letters [1]. Safety protocols are currently under review [2].
authorities investigate pattern
Police confirm they are investigating both cases for coercion, intimidation, and potential weapons offenses. While no definitive link has been established between the two episodes beyond modus operandi, officials acknowledge similarities raise concern. A national trend of humiliating videos shared online adds urgency to the probe [2]. Law enforcement condemned the acts as terrifying and degrading for youth victims. Though no suspects have been named publicly, forensic analysis of available recordings is underway. Community vigilance is encouraged [1].