ALMELO, 22/08/06 - Citizens may raise their middle fingers to policemen. This action is permissible according to a decision of the court in Almelo.

A 24-year-old man from Almelo had contested a fine he was given for raising his middle finger to a policeman. The court considered his action "rude", but not a "defamation of character". This meant the gesture was not an offence.

The Public Prosecutors' Office (OM) will appeal. The police have been taking tougher action recently against people like the 24-year-old defendant. Several forces also maintain lists with swear words that are and are not allowed.