Trial for murder attempt of Iranian journalist in Haarlem to take place in October

The criminal trial regarding the attempted murder of an Iranian activist and journalist living in Haarlem will begin at the court of Noord-Holland on October 13. The case about an assassination attempt that occurred in the overnight hours of June 5, leading into June 6 of last year, will take four days.

Gabriel S., a 28-year-old from Colombia, and Mehrez A., a 38-year-old from Tunisia, are said to have been armed that night near the home of the man who immediately raised the alarm. Chahinez K., a 28-year-old woman from Den Bosch is accused of observing and photographing the victim.

The intelligence service AIVD recently reported that evidence suggests that the Iranian regime is responsible for the assassination attempt. The Public Prosecution Service (OM) emphasized on Thursday in the court at Schiphol that the case will not be about interstate interference.

According to A.’s attorney, “there is not a single piece of evidence” that suggests that her client was aware of the intended victim’s background or any links to Iran.

K. and A. are also suspected of involvement with a murder attempt on the Spanish politician and critic of the Iranian regime, Alejo Vidal-Quadras. She will be extradited to Spain after this court case.

Prosecutors suspect the 27-year-old Sami Bekal Bounouare of directing the assassination attempt in Haarlem. He is still a fugitive and is on the national wanted list. The OM is still waiting for the extradition of a fifth suspect from Colombia. He has already been questioned by authorities.

The case will continue on June 3 and August 28 with preliminary hearings. The trial will begin on October 13 and will end on October 16. It will take place in the extra secure court at Schiphol.