From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
22-year-old man threatened to kill Dutch prime minister — court documents
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Dutch police arrested a 22-year-old man in July on suspicion of threatening to kill caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte, according to court documents, the latest in a string of threats against politicians in the Netherlands.
Dutch daily newspaper De Volkskrant first reported that the court documents allege the suspect, identified as Yavus O., used a channel on the Telegram messaging app to post incitements to violence. Dutch law enforcement officials shut down the channel this week.
Authorities have charged the arrested man with incitement to a terrorist crime, gathering intelligence for a terrorist crime and threatening a terrorist crime, according to a copy of the charging document seen by The Associated Press.
Prosecutors plan to ask at a court hearing next week to have his detention extended while investigations continue.
Dutch media reported last month that Rutte, who is known for cycling around The Hague to get to meetings and visits with the Dutch king, had received extra security amid concerns of a possible attack by members of the criminal underworld.
Rutte, who continues to walk through the city, has declined to comment on any security measures.
On Tuesday, a 42-year-old man was sentenced to five months’ imprisonment for making online threats against Dutch Foreign Minister Sigrid Kaag and Health Minister Hugo de Jonge.
Anti-Islam Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders has lived for years with around-the-clock protection due to death threats.
The Times of Israel Community.