Film-maker's accused killer faces terrorism charges
An Islamic radical accused of killing Dutch filmmaker Theo van Gogh, then slitting his throat, will be tried as a terrorist.
The decision to prosecute under a new terrorist law was the first time legal officials characterised Tuesday’s killing as a terrorist act, rather than a murder.
Chief Amsterdam prosecutor Leo de Wit said the suspect, Mohammed B. will face five counts, including murder and ”participating in a criminal organisation with terrorist characteristics”.
Mohammed B, whom police believe may have links to al-Qaida, is to be arraigned later today behind closed doors.
Van Gogh, who received death threats after the release of his latest film which criticised the treatment of women under Islam, was shot and stabbed in an Amsterdam street,
A letter left pinned to the the body by a knife contained death threats against a Dutch politician and was signed by an unknown group.
Justice Minister Piet Hein Donner said the letter was “a direct warning” to MP Ayaan Hirsi Ali who wrote the film script.
