THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Dutch authorities have formally charged a 37-year-old man with terrorism in connection with a bombing at the headquarters of the nation’s ruling political party, officials announced Monday during a court hearing that extended his detention for another two weeks.
The explosive device detonated on May 8 after being inserted through a mail slot at the D66 party offices, a centrist political organization. While no injuries occurred, the blast happened while approximately 30 young party members were conducting a meeting inside the building. Prime Minister Rob Jetten described the attendees as shaken but physically unharmed during his weekly press briefing.
Authorities have not disclosed the suspect’s identity, following standard Dutch privacy laws, and he was taken into custody immediately following the incident. Officials report that the man has remained silent regarding his reasons for the attack.
“The man is suspected of causing an explosion with terrorist intent. An explosion targeting the headquarters of a political party instills fear in a part of the population. For this reason, the terrorist motive has been charged,” The Hague Public Prosecutor’s Office stated in their official announcement.
Speaking to media representatives on Friday, Jetten, who assumed office in February, dismissed the intimidation attempt. “It was pretty futile if you think you can intimidate politicians with these kinds of actions,” he said.
This marks the second assault on the same downtown Hague facility within twelve months. Last September, the building suffered damage during a violent right-wing protest that turned destructive, occurring just weeks before the country’s national elections.
