Suspect in Alblasserdam teacher stabbing refuses psychological evaluation

The man suspected of stabbing a teacher during the end-of-year musical at a primary school in Alblasserdam is refusing to cooperate with a psychological evaluation. The refusal came to light during a court hearing in Rotterdam on Tuesday, which 45-year-old Mohammed U. once again did not attend.

U. has been detained for more than six months on suspicion of two attempted murders at the cultural center on the Haven in Alblasserdam. On July 16 of last year, a 53-year-old teacher was stabbed while intervening in a fight among three men.

The prosecution is seeking a psychological evaluation of U. Should he persist in refusing, the investigating judge could soon order that he be admitted for observation at the Pieter Baan Center.

According to his lawyer, the conflict leading up to the incident had persisted for over a year, with U.’s family reportedly being “terrorized.” The attorney described how people banged on the door and kicked the garden gate, causing the children to hide as six people gathered outside.

U. had avoided confrontation until that evening, when, he claims, he was so provoked that he could no longer control his response. Fearing for his family at the time, and with his last conviction dating back to 2008, U. maintains that he has learned from past mistakes and can behave normally. He therefore argues that a psychological evaluation is not necessary.

A spokesperson for Namens de Familie stated that the teacher has not yet fully recovered mentally. “His recovery is gradual, progressing step by step. He is not yet ready to teach, as his emotional healing will take more time. He can return to the classroom only once he has completely recovered. The trauma from this incident has had a far greater psychological impact than he anticipated.”

The third initial court session is scheduled for April 13.