The Dutch judiciary has begun the trial of a 34-year-old Syrian asylum seeker identified as Mousa A., on charges of planning attacks in the Netherlands, Germany, and Syria. Prosecutors say he was operating from inside the asylum seekers’ center in Dronten, stressing that they have “conclusive” evidence against him and that his detention has been extended for three months, according to Dutch media reports.
How the case began: an intelligence report
The case began after an alarming report by the Dutch intelligence service (AIVD) about preparations for a terrorist attack, prompting a special unit to raid his residence on November 28 inside the asylum center in Dronten. During the operation, the suspect resisted fiercely and tried to stab police officers with a knife before being arrested, later invoking his right to remain silent.
The defendant appeared before three judges at a high-security court in Rotterdam, while the authorities decided to extend his pretrial detention.
Digital evidence and a leadership role
Investigations found a large number of conversations on his phone via Telegram and WhatsApp with unidentified parties, including coordination for attacks, one of them likely in the Netherlands or Germany, with phrases such as, “Let us rid humanity of evil.” The messages also revealed attempts to obtain a firearm using coded expressions such as “three hundred beans, four watermelons, and iron,” which authorities interpreted as referring to weapons and ammunition.
In other conversations, there was more explicit discussion of targeting a former employee of Bashar al-Assad inside Syria, with plans described as detailed. According to the prosecution, the defendant played a leadership role, was nicknamed “the Sheikh,” and issued fatwas. Extremist materials were also found in his possession, including an ISIS flag and an instructional clip by the group. The prosecution said: “It contains advice and methods on how to kill unbelievers, including ways to carry out the killing.”
He also spread his ideas through TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram. People living near him said their contact with him was limited, but they considered him “Salafi” based on his appearance.
Denial of the charges
The defendant denied the accusations, affirming his admiration for Dutch society and saying he has friends from different religions, while stressing his desire to build a future with his family living in Turkey, where he had previously received his university education.
For his part, his lawyer said he suffers from psychological trauma as a result of the war, and that the prosecution’s case file is based on a report not supported by sufficient evidence. He added that his search for a weapon, including a Kalashnikov, was motivated by preparations to return to Syria, where possessing a weapon is common because of the fragile security situation.
Nevertheless, the court found there were strong grounds for suspicion, noting that no convincing explanation had been provided for the evidence. The judges said: “You have so far provided no explanation for what was found, and this does not help your position. The extremist content indicates the adoption of an extremist jihadist ideology.”
It decided to keep him in detention, with the next hearing scheduled for June 2.
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