Dutch Police have arrested a 37-year-old man who planned to attack a COVID-19 vaccination site in Den Helder in the province of North Holland, the Public Prosecution Service announced on Thursday.
Police investigation allegedly showed that the man from Den Helder intended to cause an explosion at the former town hall of Den Helder, which is currently in use for COVID-19 vaccinations. The man was arrested on March 18 and his plan was thwarted in time, according to the police.
The police and the Public Prosecution Service regard the actions of the accused as an act of terror, as he "intended to terrify the population and disrupt the economic and social structures of the country," a statement by the prosecutor noted.
In addition, the Public Prosecution Service said that the suspect has "attempted to sabotage a crucial government process, namely the nationally coordinated vaccination program, in an extremely violent manner."
Since his arrest, the suspect has been detained. His pre-trial detention was extended by 90 days on Wednesday. The investigation into possible co-suspects is still ongoing.
Source: Xinhua
