Suspect erupts in court during trial over Tarwekamp explosion that killed six

A suspect in the December explosion at the Tarwekamp apartment building in the Mariahoeve neighborhood of The Hague erupted in court Monday, shouting at the judges after his request to end pretrial detention was denied.

Adil A., 33, one of four suspects in the case, yelled “bullshit” during the court’s decision. When the presiding judge told him to be quiet, he responded, “Shut your own mouth.” The courtroom was forced to remove him, and he was taken to the courthouse detention block.

The explosion on December 7 last year killed six people and injured five. Authorities say it was a targeted attack on a bridal shop owned by the ex-girlfriend of main suspect Moshtag B., 34. The shop occupied the ground floor of the affected building. Apartments above were severely damaged and later had to be demolished.

This was not the first time Adil A. lost his temper in court. During a May hearing, he verbally attacked prosecutors and reporters. His lawyer said A. feels he is being held more responsible than warranted, leaving him “angry” and “frustrated.” The Public Prosecution Service (OM) maintains that A. was involved in preparing the attack but was not present during its execution. Previous requests for his release were also denied by the court.

Monday, he continued his outburst, telling the OM and the court, “It’s as if you are blind and don’t read the files,” just before being informed he will remain in detention.

Prosecutors have spent the past months meeting with victims and relatives. An OM spokesperson described the suffering caused by the explosion as “immeasurable.” Family members recounted experiences of loss, trauma, anger, and uncertainty about financial compensation.

The next preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 12. The main trial is expected to take place after summer next year and could last five to six days.