The Hague, Netherlands - A court in the Netherlands has banned the Dutch chapter of the Bandidos motorcycle club, ruling in a civil case that the club is a threat to public order.
The ban "is necessary to protect society," said the Central Netherlands Court. The court also banned members of overseas Bandidos chapters from operating in the Netherlands.
Prosecutors hailed the ruling as a victory in efforts to clamp down on motorcycle gangs in the Netherlands. National Prosecutors Office spokesman Jirko Patist said: "We are very satisfied; the court upheld all our arguments."
The court ruled that the Bandidos have "a culture that stimulates violence," including awarding club patches to members who have been involved in violence.
According to the ruling, the Bandidos first opened a Dutch chapter in the southern city of Sittard in 2014. Prosecutors say the club has dozens of Dutch members.
There was no immediate reaction from the club or its lawyer. The Bandidos have three months in which they can lodge an appeal.