Suspects in Arnhem city center arson case to remain detained for 90 more days
The three men suspected of involvement in the massive fire that destroyed a residential and commercial building in Arnhem’s city center will remain in custody for another 90 days, the court’s council chamber has ruled.
On March 6, 2025, a large fire broke out in Arnhem, completely destroying a block of residential apartments with shops on the ground floor. Multiple residents lost their homes, though no injuries were reported.
Authorities have determined that the fire was caused by arson. In response, police arrested two Arnhem residents, aged 30 and 57, along with a 41-year-old man who has no fixed address.
The three suspects were first brought before an examining magistrate on March 12, 2025. At that time, the court ruled that they should remain in custody for an additional 14 days.
On March 20, 2025, the suspects appeared before the court’s council chamber, which decided to extend their pretrial detention for another 90 days. Council chamber hearings are not open to the public, and the court has not disclosed the specific reasoning behind its decision.
The council chamber consists of three judges who collectively determine whether a suspect should remain in custody. If they issue an official detention order, the accused can be held for a maximum of 90 days. Within this period, the case must come before a trial judge for the first time.
A pro forma hearing has been scheduled for June 17, 2025. During this session, the case will not yet be substantively examined. Pro forma hearings are required when a case must appear in court within a certain timeframe, but prosecutors are not yet ready for a full trial.
