The detention of one of the suspects in the case surrounding the series of attacks in Purmerend was extended by thirty days yesterday. This brings the pre-trial detention to ninety days, the maximum possible period.
On April 15, the police arrested a 20-year-old suspect. A week later, on April 20, police arrested a second suspect of 21 years old.
Both men come from Purmerend, where several homes were attacked or hit by a fire bomb within a week in April. The Public Prosecution Service suspects the two of attempted murder or manslaughter, attempted aggravated assault, attempted extortion, threats and illegal possession of weapons.
Social unrest
Initially, the pre-trial detention of both young men was extended by the judge on May 3 by sixty days. The reason was the ongoing investigation and the fear that the suspects would be guilty of such criminal activities again.
A quarrel in the criminal environment would be the cause of the attacks, according to the police. It has since been scaled up with a Large-Scale Investigation Team (TGO).
What may also play a role in the detention of suspects is the possible social unrest that is playing a role. The attacks on the homes had a major impact on residents and local residents. “It’s terrible. I can’t comprehend. I have an empty feeling”, one of the victims previously told NH.
It now appears that at least the 21-year-old suspect has been detained for at least thirty days. The other suspect will appear before a judge in a closed session next week.
The first pro forma hearing on the series of attacks is on July 31.