The Public Prosecution Service is demanding a prison sentence of twelve years against a Syrian who would have led a terrorist organization. The 47-year-old man was arrested in November 2020 in Rijssen, Overijssel.
According to the OM, there is convincing evidence that the man played an important role in Syria within the jihadist group Ahrar Al Sham. It is also seen as a terrorist organization in the Netherlands, partly because it kidnaps, tortures and kills civilians.
According to the OM, between January 2012 and June 2015, the man was, among other things, financial manager of the organization in the Syrian province of Raqqa. He himself denies having had anything to do with Ahrar Al Sham. The OM does not find that credible. For example, he would have texted about his past with his sister and friends.
The suspect came to the Netherlands in 2017 and received a temporary residence permit. After a tip about his past, the police started an investigation, which eventually led to the arrest of the suspect.
In March 2022, the court decided that due to a major medical procedure, the suspect should be released until the verdict in his case. This was done under strict conditions; for example, he had to wear an ankle bracelet.
