The nineteen-year-old Tijn B., who entered the Dutch Parliament (Tweede Kamer) with a knife earlier this year, is temporarily allowed to leave prison due to “personal circumstances”. According to his lawyer, B. had no terrorist motive. However, he wanted to be shot dead.
During a hearing on Wednesday, B., who is from Nijmegen, repeatedly indicated that he would very much like to go home, writes news agency ANP. When the judge decided to suspend his detention, the man burst into tears. The judge gave “personal circumstances” as the motivation for the suspension.
On February 13, B. walked into the Dutch Parliament with a knife. He threatened an employee and jumped over the entrance gates, after which the Marechaussee arrested him.
According to his lawyer, B. was suicidal and hoped to be shot dead, but he had no terrorist motives. On Wednesday, B. told the judge that he no longer wants to die and that he is receiving medication.
The case will be heard on its merits in October. B. is suspected of threatening an employee of the Dutch Parliament and preparing murder with terrorist intent. Until then, B. must adhere to conditions. He is not allowed to use alcohol or drugs, and he is also not allowed to be near the Dutch Parliament.
The Public Prosecution Service believed that B. should remain in jail because the impact of his act is very large. The public prosecutor states that there are still “strong indications” that B. went to The Hague to stab someone in the Dutch Parliament.