Suspects in foiled terrorist attack to remain in custody

Seven men suspected of preparing for a large terrorist attack in the Netherlands, will stay in custody for at least another 14 days, the court in Rotterdam decided. According ot the judge, there is sufficient evidence to extend their remand, NOS reports.

The seven suspects were arrested in Weert and Arnhem last Thursday. They had advanced plans for committing an attack at a major event in the Netherlands, according to the authorities. The police considers this the most serious attack plans in the Netherlands to date, according to the broadcaster.

When searching the suspects' homes, the police found 100 kilograms of fertilizer, which investigators believe were intended to be used for a car bomb. Raw materials that can be used to make bomb vests were also found.

At least six of the seven suspects are from Arnhem and surroundings. Mayor Ahmed Marcouch said they belonged to a group of 25 radicalized Muslims the municipality has been keeping an eye on for some time. 

The police arrested the suspects following a tip from intelligence service AIVD about Hardi N., who the Public Prosecutor considers the central point of the network. The 34-year-old N. was convicted on appeal last year for attempting to go to Syria to join a terrorist organization and financing jihadists.