Headline: Suspect in Erasmus Bridge Stabbing Held on Terrorist Charges
Subheading: Alleged Terrorist Accused of Fatal Attack Remanded to Custody
Rotterdam, September 23, 2024 – The District Court in The Hague has ordered the detention of Ayoub M., the sole suspect in the fatal stabbing incident on the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam, for an additional two weeks. M., a 22-year-old resident of Amersfoort, is facing charges in connection with the alleged terrorist attack that resulted in the death of Phillip Winter, a 32-year-old German urban planner, and left another Swiss man severely injured.
The court’s decision came following the preliminary hearing on Monday, where the maximum permissible extension of M.’s pre-trial detention was granted. A three-judge panel at the Hague court has the authority to extend this period by up to 90 days at the arraignment hearing scheduled for October 7. The case is being heard in The Hague to ensure judicial independence, as employees of the Rotterdam District Court were present during the attack.
The Public Prosecution Service (OM) has indicated that they are considering charges of murder with terrorist intent and attempted murder with terrorist intent, although they have not yet confirmed their final decision. The OM has previously stated that they believe terrorism was the motive behind the attack, but they are still investigating other possible scenarios.
According to the OM, the investigation has yielded evidence suggesting that the suspect may be ideologically driven. During the attack, M. is reported to have shouted “Allahu Akbar” multiple times. The incident began at a skatepark near the bridge, which has been a site of shock and concern for Rotterdam Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb.
Witness accounts describe how M. first stabbed the Swiss man, who was later treated in a hospital, before moving on to Winter. Despite immediate medical efforts, the German man died at the scene. M. was eventually subdued by a group of individuals, including a kickboxing personal trainer, and was found with two kitchen knives at the crime scene.
M. has a prior criminal history, having faced charges for the attempted murder of his mother in early 2022. He was diagnosed with a severe mental disorder two years ago, characterized by symptoms including hallucinations and delusions. His residence in Amersfoort is a facility that offers forensic psychiatric care and transitional housing for individuals with mental health needs.
M. is currently being held in restricted custody and is only allowed to communicate with his attorney. The initial incident that led to his arrest and charges occurred on February 3, 2022, in Otterlo, Ede, following his detention for another crime.
As the investigation continues, the public awaits further developments in this case, which has raised significant concerns about terrorism and public safety in the Netherlands.
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