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| B to be prosecuted for role in terror network | ||
| 2005-07-27 | ||
| ROTTERDAM – Mohammed B, sentenced to life in prison on Tuesday for the murder of Theo van Gogh, will also be prosecuted for his suspected role in the Hofstadgroep terror network. Public prosecutor A van Dam announced at Wednesday's third pro forma hearing of twelve suspected Hofstadgroep members that action would be brought against B. The prosecutor's office's assertion that B played a leading role in the group is key to its case that the Hofstadgroep is a terrorist organisation. In the last pro forma hearing concerning the Hofstadgroep, in early May, the prosecutor's office said B had played a leading role in the group. That statement is key to its case that the Hofstadgroep is a terrorist organisation. Eleven Hofstadgroep suspects are still in jail on suspicion of participating in a criminal terrorist organisation. Jermaine W's preventive custody was suspended at the last hearing, but he remains a suspect. Two other suspects, Ismail A and Jason W, were arrested in November during a raid on a residence in the Laakkwartier in The Hague. Besides these twelve suspects, several other people are in jail on suspicion of connections with the Hofstadgroep. Among them are Nourredine El F and Rachid B. El F was arrested in late June at Amsterdam-Lelylaan railway station and is believed a key member of the group. At the time of his arrest he was in possession of a loaded machine gun.
B arrived in the Netherlands on Tuesday and will be brought before the judge on Friday. Wednesday's hearing before a Hague court will take place in a high-security courtroom in Rotterdam because of security concerns.
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| Posted by:Steve |