Khalid Lakhlifi (37), the man who killed René Steegmans in 2002 in Venlo, has been allowed to start the next phase of his TBS process by the judiciary. In addition, he will no longer be under the supervision of the TBS clinic, but the probation service will continue to guide him towards a return to society.
Justice has agreed to this so-called conditional termination of compulsory nursing, as it turned out on Monday during a court hearing in Roermond. “Recidivism is estimated to be very low. He must be given the opportunity to take steps forward,” said the public prosecutor. According to his lawyer Misja Geeratz, it is time for the next step: more independence.
Also read: Tbs Khalid Lakhlifi extended for one year: ‘End is in sight’
Addressing behavior
Khalid from Venlo was eighteen years old on October 22, 2002 when he had words with René Steegmans (22) in the parking lot of a supermarket in his hometown. He thought that Khalid was driving antisocially on his scooter and almost hit an elderly woman. Steegmans said something about this, after which the thirty-year-old turned his anger on him. Khalid dealt blows, which later proved fatal.
Don’t rush
After being incarcerated for several years, Khalid’s TBS treatment started. According to the forensic psychiatric center the Oostvaarderskliniek in Almere, there is a clear positive development and the practitioners are satisfied with him. The Venlo resident complies with all agreements with the clinic and the probation service. Still, the Oostvaarderskliniek is concerned: if Khalid is given more freedom, he may make ‘awkward choices in life’, according to the researchers. He seems to be standing with one leg out, but the TBS clinic does not want to rush anything and wait another year.
Also read: Khalid Lakhlifi wants to leave behind René Steegmans dead
‘Keep doing the best’
If the court puts a conditional end to the compulsory treatment, Khalid is one step closer to returning to society. The Venlo resident must then adhere to a number of conditions. This can be anything, such as participating in a daytime activity and a ban on drinking alcohol. “I have no problem sticking to this. I do my best and always will,” says Khalid himself. On Friday 3 June, the court will decide how the TBS process will continue.
Khalid Lakhlifi’s name is spelled out in full, because at an earlier stage the man came out under his own name with a book about his life.