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Groningen Court Opens Trial of 26-Year-Old Accused in Meerstad Rape

Prosecutors cite a probable DNA match alongside child‑pornography discoveries.

Overview

  • The Groningen court is hearing the case of a 26-year-old from Uithuizen accused of assaulting a 17-year-old on August 18, 2023, on the Driebondsweg bike path toward Meerstad.
  • The defendant also faces allegations of a prior rape in Assen and indecent acts involving three minors, with few public details available about the Assen case.
  • Forensic testing on the victim’s clothing reportedly produced a probable DNA match to the suspect.
  • Police arrested the man five days after the incident following witness appeals and requests to local businesses for camera footage.
  • The suspect has denied the allegations, exercised his right to remain silent, and refused psychological and psychiatric evaluations.