Prosecutors seek up to 20 years over plot to kill Iranian activist in Haarlem
Six people are on trial over an attempt to kill an Iranian activist in Haarlem in 2024. Prosecutors demanded prison sentences of up to 20 years.
Prosecutors in Noord-Holland have demanded prison sentences of up to 20 years for six people suspected of an attempt to kill an Iranian activist in Haarlem, the Public Prosecution Service said on Thursday. The attempt took place on 6 June 2024, after preparations in May 2024. The court has not yet ruled.
Alarm button
The victim, an Iranian activist and writer, had criticised the Iranian regime online. Because of threats, he had been given an alarm button and security cameras had been installed at his home. In the night of 5 to 6 June 2024, he saw two men on his cameras and pressed the alarm. Two motorcycle officers who were nearby arrested both men, who turned out to be carrying firearms.
The demands
The highest demand, 20 years, is for a 29-year-old man whom prosecutors see as the organiser. He is on the run. Prosecutors asked for 15 years and 2 months for a 40-year-old man from Tunisia and 13 years and 3 months for a 29-year-old man from Colombia, the two men arrested that night. A 42-year-old man from Colombia who was involved in the preparations in May faces a demand of 10 years and 6 months.
Prosecutors want 6 years for a 29-year-old woman from Den Bosch who gave information about the victim, and 7 years for a 23-year-old man from France who, according to prosecutors, hid weapons in Santpoort-Noord. They also asked the court to award the victim 13,000 euros in damages.
Crime as a service
The suspects were paid for the jobs they carried out, which the prosecutor called ‘crime as a service’ at the hearing. The 40-year-old man confessed after his arrest. He told police the group had come to the Netherlands for ‘a mission’: to kill the man he was arrested for.
According to the 2024 annual report of the AIVD security service, Iran was probably responsible for the attempt. Iran’s role is not part of this case. Investigations into state interference are handled by the National Public Prosecutor’s Office, which was informed at the start of the case.
