Dutch prosecutors disclose case over suspected terrorist attack preparations

Dutch prosecutors on October 13 disclosed a case involving a 20-year-old Capelle aan den IJssel resident suspected of threatening and preparing a terrorist offence. A judge had extended his pretrial detention by 14 days.

The man was arrested on October 5 after police received a report. Prosecutors allege that he spoke of an attack intended to cause many casualties and may have identified a specific target. The published statement does not disclose that target.

A search of his home led to seizure of electronic devices and data storage media. Officers also found a sword, two knives and an air-powered weapon. The items remain under investigation.

He appeared before an examining judge on October 9, when detention was extended for another two weeks. The October 13 disclosure therefore does not mean he was arrested that day.

The statement concerns suspicions and preliminary procedural measures. It establishes neither guilt, affiliation with a particular group nor a completed attack plan.