Dutch news in brief, 20 July 2004

Terror suspects remain in detention

The 37-year-old Syrian accused of planning a terror attack during the Nijmegen Four Day March was remanded in custody for an extra three days on Tuesday. But an Arnhem Court judge said there was insufficient reason to extend the remand detention of the co-accused, a 33-year-old Lebanese man. Despite this, he remains a suspect and was not released because he is an illegal immigrant. The men were arrested on Saturday on suspicion of planning an attack against soldiers participating in the four-day walk. The Syrian is accused of making preparations to kill, while the Lebanese is suspected of threatening activities.

Extra funding to combat domestic violence

The Dutch government and municipal councils are embarking on a plan to establish domestic violence advice and support units across the country. Health State Secretary Clemence Ross has allocated EUR 7.8 million in funding to the plan up until 2007 and EUR 3 million will be made annually available thereafter. Municipal councils will contribute 40 percent of the funding for the creation of the new centres, which will be open to all victims irrespective of age, sex or ethnic background. The culprits of domestic violence ma also seek help at the centres.

Fire extinguisher powder ’cause of anthrax scare’

The powder that made a TPG postal worker ill on Sunday almost certainly originated from a fire extinguisher, tests by the Dutch Forensics Institute have determined. Breathing in the yellow powder can lead to breathing difficulties, nausea and eye irritation. The Alkmaar postal worker became ill on Sunday night after emptying a post box on the Prinses Julianalaan, raising fears of an anthrax letter. He was taken to hospital for treatment, but released several hours later. Fire extinguisher powder was later found in the vicinity of the post box.

Dutch sell patrol planes to Germany

The German government will buy eight P-3C surveillance planes from the Netherlands for EUR 295 million, Defence State Secretary Cees van der Knaap said on Tuesday. The planes are currently being used by the Royal Dutch navy and are based at the Valkenburg airbase. They will be exported to the German navy in November 2005.

Subject: Dutch news