Overview
- The criminal trial over the December 7, 2024, explosion in The Hague is now in its early hearings with judges reading emotional statements from victims and relatives.
- Experts told the court that investigators found signs the blast likely started in the cellar and estimated 25 to 40 litres of petrol were poured inside the shop with the amount possibly much higher.
- Police presented findings that one accused filled many jerrycans in Belgium and linked roughly 194 litres of fuel to the preparations for the attack.
- Two accused who admit being in the bridal shop give conflicting accounts and blame each other for lighting the fire while a third suspect is accused of ordering the attack as revenge against an ex-partner.
- Security agencies are also handling a separate AIVD-origin terrorism-preparation case with four suspects in custody and a cluster of recent bomb threats affecting flights that the national coordinator says requires special attention.