A Dutch court in The Hague sentenced 58-year-old Rafik A. to 26 years in prison for torture, sexual violence, and rape committed in Syria during 2013 and 2014. A. served as a high-ranking interrogator for a militia linked to Bashar al-Assad's regime before moving to the Netherlands.
The European Union's trade deficit with China has reached a record high of approximately 1 billion euros per day, according to new figures from Eurostat. This trend is driven by high import volumes from China relative to significantly lower export levels from the EU.
Public transport services in Amsterdam operated by GVB will start at 08:00 on Thursday due to a national strike organized by the FNV union. Travelers are warned to expect disruptions and an unpredictable schedule throughout the day, although ferry services will remain unaffected.
The Dutch Public Prosecution Service (OM) alleges that several individuals from Utrecht defrauded health insurance companies and the Sociale Verzekeringsbank of more than 14 million euros. The large-scale fraud reportedly took place over several years and targeted multiple insurance providers.
Five men detained after riots at an anti-asylum demonstration in Wijk bij Duurstede will be released on Monday evening, though they remain suspects. Two other individuals previously arrested in connection with the unrest have already been released.
The Thurn und Taxis family established a centuries-long dominance over European postal services, building a massive fortune that remains with the family today. Haarlem became involved in this international struggle for control over postal traffic starting in 1649.