Suspicious powder shuts Maastricht court

The court in Maastricht received a "powder" letter Tuesday morning, announced the court on her website. The central hall downstairs was closed down for a short while, as a precaution. Following standard protocol, emergency services were dispatched, and the contents of the letter was examined. Investigation of the powder showed it to be harmless. "Powder" letters may contain organic pathogens, but usually it's false alarm. For safety reasons the central hall was closed, but staff could continue working in their office, while visitors had to wait outside. 45 minutes later, around 09:45, the 'all clear' sign was given. Court sessions were resumed, albeit with a delay.