Suspect in Zeist rape case has pre-trial detention extended by two weeks

The man who is suspected of a violent sexual assault in Zeist will remain in custody for at least two more weeks. The 46-year-old is suspected of a violent rape and an attempt at violent rape, the Public Prosecution Service (OM) reported on Friday.

On Friday afternoon, the man was brought before the examining magistrate, who decided to extend his pretrial detention.

The suspect was arrested on Thursday in Bunschoten after the police had released images of him to the public. He is alleged to have spoken to a woman on the Prinses Mariannelaan before violently raping her in the woods, before fleeing into the forest.

Earlier that day, he allegedly spoke to another woman on the Grensweg by Hoog Kanje in Zeist, but she yelled for help, leading to the man running away. The OM considers that to be an attempt at violent rape.

The police have not disclosed the suspect’s age or living situation. The victim had described him as an English-speaking man with an Eastern European accent. The man is currently being held in full restricted custody, meaning that he is only allowed to contact his attorney.

Next step in the procedure after the two weeks is an arraignment before three district court judges, with the court able to extend his pre-trial detention for successive 90-day periods.