Stabbed school employee leaves hospital

5 February 2004

AMSTERDAM — The recently stabbed 59-year-old Amsterdam West school employee was discharged from the VU Hospital on Thursday, but has not yet given a statement to police, the prosecution office said.

The school employee was severely wounded on Friday 23 January when a 35-year-old former student attacked him in his office. The man underwent emergency surgery and was initially listed in a critical condition.

A former student at the school has confessed to the stabbing, but claimed he was sexually abused by the victim between 1975 and 1980. An Amsterdam judge extended his remand custody by 30 days earlier this week.

Meanwhile, the school employee has hired a lawyer, who wishes to speak with his client before making a statement. The victim is not expected to give an official statement until next week.

The stabbing took place at the Mgr. Hermusschool in Amsterdam West, a school for children with hearing and speaking difficulties. The culprit was a student of the school between 1974 and 1982.

The victim has been identified only as Peter, who worked at the school for about 20 years and gave guidance to other teachers. None of the school’s 180 students witnessed the stabbing.

Lessons were postponed immediately after the stabbing, but resumed on 27 January after teachers had met to prepare for the return of students. Teachers have received help from the Victim Assistance Bureau.

Subject: Dutch news