Authorities to prosecute inmate for repeat hostage incident in Vught prison

The Public Prosecution Service (OM) is charging Corné H., 30, for a hostage-taking incident at PI Vught on December 5 last year. During the incident, he held several staff members against their will for hours and threatened them with a knife. H. was serving time in the penitentiary institution while awaiting placement in a TBS clinic, a measure imposed after he had previously taken four people hostage in a café in Ede in March 2024.

The OM stated that H. attempted to use the hostage-taking to pressure authorities into transferring him to another facility. In February, his lawyers made a similar attempt through a summary legal action, but the court ruled that the government was not obliged to prioritize him for a TBS clinic placement. Following the Vught incident, H. was moved to Zaanstad prison to continue his treatment.

The suspect had earlier been diagnosed with several psychiatric disorders. After the second hostage incident, an expert determined that he is not fully legally incapacitated. “While he was mentally ill, he understood that his actions were criminal and can be held partially accountable,” the OM stated.

The OM stressed that H.’s second hostage-taking is a grave offense and must be prosecuted, “even if this delays the start of his psychiatric treatment.” For the victims, it is crucial to exercise their right to speak in court, allowing them to describe what they experienced that night and the lasting effects, the OM stated. They can also seek compensation during the hearing.

By pursuing prosecution, the OM aims to send “a strong and clear message” to both the public and inmates that violence or threats against staff who work tirelessly in the prison system will not be tolerated.

The date for the trial has not yet been set.