paroolOct 30, 2026, 12:39

Lawyer for Overasselt attack target withdraws from case

Jan G. from Overasselt faces legal turmoil following an underworld attack on his home that killed a security guard and led to his own arrest for drug trafficking. His defense attorney, Ralph Takens, has now stepped down from the case while Jan G. remains detained in a high-security facility.

On September 1, 28-year-old Jan G. from Overasselt was the target of a violent underworld attack on his home, which resulted in the death of a security guard, Berry Leenders, and left two police officers seriously injured. Investigations linked the incident to a drug conflict involving fugitive criminal Jos Leijdekkers. Jan G. was subsequently arrested in Germany on September 18 in connection with a separate case involving the smuggling of over 3,800 kilograms of cocaine seized in Dunkirk, France. Amsterdam resident Desmond Curiel has also been arrested in the same drug trafficking investigation.

Following his extradition to the Netherlands, Jan G. was placed in the high-security EBI facility in Vught under strict isolation. He was permitted contact only with his defense attorney, Ralph Takens. However, Takens confirmed on Friday that he has stepped down as the legal representative for Jan G., though he declined to provide a reason for his withdrawal from the case.

Politics Amsterdam Netherlands World

Read original ↗

Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Cabinet on edge over weekend riot plans, shops boarded up: ‘Worrying signals’

Dutch authorities are monitoring reports of potential riots and looting scheduled for the upcoming weekend following social media calls. In response, businesses in some cities have boarded up their storefronts and schools have warned parents to keep students at home, though officials note that much of the online evidence remains unconfirmed.

Youths share calls for riots in Dutch cities, schools warn

Dutch schools and authorities are on high alert after social media messages began encouraging youth to riot and loot stores in various cities this weekend. While police are monitoring the situation, school boards have contacted parents urging them to prevent their children from attending these potentially escalating gatherings.

Area ban for Museumplein imposed wrongly, corona protesters to receive 300 euros compensation each

Thirty-two protesters arrested during a 2021 COVID-19 demonstration at Amsterdam's Museumplein have been awarded 300 euros each after authorities admitted that the subsequent area bans imposed on them were unlawful. The court and the Public Prosecutor's Office concluded that the restrictions were not justified, providing the individuals with compensation for the infringement of their right to protest.

Halsema and seven European mayors call on European Commission to protect International Criminal Court

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema and seven other European mayors have sent a letter to the European Commission requesting support for the International Criminal Court. The group argues that the court is under threat due to international sanctions and requires a unified European effort to maintain its independence and safety.

Guy flies back to Israel to vote against Netanyahu, like tens of thousands of others

Tens of thousands of Israelis are flying back to their home country to vote in parliamentary elections, as expatriate voting is not permitted. Many, including Amsterdam-based resident Guy Spigelman, are traveling specifically to vote against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu due to concerns over his leadership and policies.