The Public Prosecution Service in North Holland has sought prison terms of between six and 20 years for six defendants over an attempt to kill an Iranian activist. The attempt took place in Haarlem on June 6, 2024, following preparations for the murder in May that year.
Prosecutors sought the longest term, 20 years, for 29-year-old Sami Bekal Bounouare, who is considered the alleged organiser and remains at large. He is accused of participating in preparations for murder and in the attempted killing.
A 15-year-and-two-month term was sought for a 40-year-old Tunisian man, and 13 years and three months for a 29-year-old man from Colombia. They were arrested while fleeing after the attempted attack. Prosecutors also sought 10 years and six months for a 42-year-old Colombian man linked to the preparations in May.
Prosecutors sought six years for a 29-year-old woman who provided information about the victim, and seven years for a 23-year-old man from France accused of hiding weapons in Santpoort-Noord. The prosecution also asked the court to award the victim €13,000 in compensation.
The victim, an Iranian activist and publicist, had criticised Iran’s regime online and received threats. A panic button and security cameras were installed at his home. On the night of June 5–6, 2024, he saw two men on the cameras and pressed the button. Police officers arrived and arrested them with firearms.
The prosecution said the investigation focused on the alleged perpetrators and organiser; Iran’s possible role was not part of the inquiry. At the start of the case, North Holland prosecutors informed the National Public Prosecutor’s Office of a possible role by Iran.
