Two Pakistani nationals prosecuted for the incitement to murder a politician
The Public Prosecution Service is prosecuting two Pakistani nationals, one a religious leader and one a political leader, who have called upon their following to murder a Dutch member of Parliament. This was done both during meetings and on social media through video- and text messages.
The suspects involved are a 55 year old male and a and 29 year old male, both from Pakistan. The 55 year old male is suspected of attempted instigation to murder a Dutch politician by calling on his following to act and stating that they will be rewarded in the afterlife. The 29 year old male is suspected of incitement to murder a Dutch politician by stating to his following that since the conviction of a Pakistani cricket for incitement, it is now up to them carry out the task.
The Public Prosecution Service has sent a request for mutual legal assistance in criminal matters to the Pakistani authorities, requesting service of the summons to appear in court in both cases. The Dutch authorities have also requested the questioning of the suspects on the charges.
There is no existing treaty between the Netherlands and Pakistan on the subject of mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. Treaties are usually based on the rule of reciprocity. It is not clear if the Pakistani authorities will execute the request in this specific case. Earlier requests for mutual legal assistance in criminal matters that were sent by the Dutch authorities during the case of the prosecution of a Pakistani cricket player were never formally answered.
Court date
The date for the court hearings in the two cases is planned for 2nd September 2024 at the Judicial complex at Schiphol. The case against the 55 year old suspect will take place at 10 o’clock, the case against the 29 year old suspect will take place at 13.30 o’clock. Both suspects have the right to attend their trial. With the request for mutual legal assistance in criminal matters that was sent to the Pakistani authorities the Dutch authorities have fulfilled the national legal obligation for informing the suspects on their court hearings.