Amsterdam bomb threats: Suspected ISIS fighter to court

Melvin E., the 22 year old man arrested at Schiphol airport on July 22nd for making bomb threats in the name of terrorist organization ISIS, is appearing in the court in Amsterdam for the first time on Wednesday. He threatened to set off explosives at five buildings if he was not paid 10 million euros. According to the the indictment, which Het Parool has in its possession, E. sent an email to the media on July 13th that read: "In the name of Allah Akbar. As you know, we recently stole a large amount of Semtex in France. I car report that we have placed these explosives last weekend at five locations in the Netherlands." This was followed by a list of companies, including buildings on Spaklerweg, Gustav Mahlerlaan and two places in Diemen. On the same day he sent another email. "You must make sure that Syria fighters are given immunity from legal process and deportation proceedings and are released. Further more we want 10 million euros, which you must place under the viaduct on Wenckebachweg, before 12:00, if it is not there: Kaboom! If it is there, then we will tell you where the 5th location is. We do not negotiate, enough fighters have been lost." The letter is signed ISIS. The police investigated and quickly established that these were empty threats, but still informed Amsterdam Mayor Eberhard van der Laan and the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security. E. was signaled internationally and arrested at Schiphol airport after a stay in China. E. is also suspected of the possession and distribution of child pornography. According to the Public Prosecutor, E. had more than 10 thousand child pornography photos and videos.