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Wednesday, 6 April, 2005, 16:18 GMT 17:18 UK

Dutch terror plot case collapses

Amsterdam's Schiphol airport A Dutch teenager of Moroccan origin has been cleared of plotting attacks on Amsterdam airport, government buildings and a nuclear reactor.

A court in Rotterdam ruled that there was no direct evidence that Samir Azzouz, 18, was preparing a crime.

However, he was sentenced to three months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm.

He is expected to be released shortly as he has already served 10 months in detention while on remand.

'Weak evidence'

Prosecutors had alleged that Azzouz, who was arrested in June last year, was a Muslim extremist.

But his lawyer said material found at his client's home could in no way have been used to cause explosions, and that the evidence against him was weak.

Dutch police said they had found detailed maps of the alleged targets and apparent bomb-making supplies during a raid of his home.

Police claimed the maps were marked with comments on security measures at the various sites.

Mr Azzouz, who was born in the Netherlands of Moroccan parents, was charged with attempted murder, manslaughter, arson and illegally possessing a firearm.




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Related to this story:
Dutch 'terror plot' trial starts (24 Feb 05 |  Europe )
'Islamist' held in Van Gogh case (03 Nov 04 |  Europe )
Dutch step up Muslim protection (08 Nov 04 |  Europe )
Letter threat to Dutch politician (05 Nov 04 |  Europe )
Dutch fear loss of tolerance (03 Nov 04 |  Europe )
Life of slain Dutch filmmaker (02 Nov 04 |  Entertainment )

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
Dutch justice ministry
Theo Van Gogh
Eindhoven municipality
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