9 May 2007

AMSTERDAM – Mohammed B. took the stand today in the appeal case against the Hofstad group. His testimony was delayed for about 20 minutes when he refused to swear to tell nothing but the truth, as is required in court. "I swear nothing. I don't want to."

The court was obviously at a loss. B.'s testimony would be useless if not made under oath. Mohammed B. simply looked on, seemingly amused, as the prosecution and defence tried to find some solution.

After about 20 minutes B. abruptly put an end to the discussion saying: "I swear. I'll keep it short. I promise." He proceeded to talk about his convictions and devotion to the Muslim faith.

Mohammed B. was convicted in the Hofstad group trial last year but was not imposed a penalty as he is already serving a life sentence for the murder of Theo van Gogh. The justice department regards B. as the key figure in the Hofstad group. Seven suspects are on trial in the appeal case.

B.'s religious convictions proved to be as extreme and straightforward as ever. Anyone who does not devote his life to serving Allah is an infidel, in his eyes. And infidels must be fought with the sword, as B. himself has shown.

B. will continue his testimony at the high security courtroom in Amsterdam-Osdorp on Friday.
 
[Copyright Expatica News + ANP 2007]

Subject: Dutch news