Trial for fatal Tarwekamp explosion in The Hague expected mid-2026

The criminal trial concerning the fatal explosion on Tarwekamp in The Hague is likely to be heard on its merits around the middle of next year. “Before summer would be ideal,” said the presiding judge of The Hague court on Thursday during the third preparatory hearing. Once again, there was strong interest from relatives and other victims.

Earlier, the court had hoped the trial could take place at the beginning of 2026, but further investigation still needs to be carried out, including by the Netherlands Forensic Institute.

On December 7 of last year, an explosion in the Mariahoeve area led to several buildings collapsing, with six people losing their lives as a result. The attack was targeting a bridal store owned by the ex-girlfriend of the leading suspect, Moshtag B. The shop was on the ground floor, and several apartments above were severely damaged and even had to be completely demolished.

In addition to the 34-year-old suspect, three other men are being prosecuted for their involvement with the explosion. They are currently in custody and will remain in pre-trial detention until the next hearing in November.

The attorney representing 33-year-old Adil A. made another attempt to have his client freed, as he had done during previous hearings. However, the court still sees sufficient reason to keep A. in custody.

At the previous hearing, A. reacted very strongly when it became clear he would not be released; this time, he listened calmly. According to his lawyer, he is “frustrated” and “angry because others attribute to him a larger role than he actually had.” The lawyer emphasized that he “did not intend to insult anyone.” A. is said to have been involved in planning the attack but was not present during its execution.

In a statement about the ongoing investigation, the Public Prosecution Service said that the owner of the bridal shop filed a report earlier this month against Moshtag B. for assault, threats, and computer intrusion, committed in the period before the attack. She also filed a report concerning the damage caused by the explosion.

B. has been questioned by the police on seven occasions. On Thursday, he said that he only wants to give a statement during the trial itself. Suspect Ilias B. said: “I still can’t really comprehend any of it. I lie awake every night because of it. I find it increasingly difficult to be here, but it’s the least I can do.”

The next preparatory hearing is scheduled for November 17.