Dutch authorities claim the Afghan man suspected of stabbing two Americans traveled to the Netherlands with a “terrorist motive,” seeking to punish Islam’s enemies.
The 19-year-old Afghan man, who has a German residency permit and is identified only as Jawed S. according to Dutch privacy laws, is accused of stabbing two American tourists shortly after arriving in Amsterdam’s central railway station. Police shot and apprehended him when he tried to flee. Prosecutors said that the suspect stated that he believes the Netherlands repeatedly insult Islam and specifically called out Dutch politician Geert Wilders, who recently canceled his “draw Muhammad” cartoon contest. (RELATED: Man Shot After Stabbing Two At Dutch Railway Station)
“It is apparent from his statements that he believes that in the Netherlands, the Prophet Muhammad, the Quran, Islam and Allah are repeatedly insulted,” prosecutors said, according to The Associated Press.
“From the suspect’s statements so far, it is clear the man had a terrorist motive … and that he traveled to the Netherlands for that reason,” they added.
A judge ordered that the suspect remain in custody for a further two weeks on suspicion of “terrorist motive” and for fear that he will flee the country or commit more violent acts. Authorities said that it appears that he acted alone. He remains in the hospital.
Wilders, who canceled his “draw Muhammad” cartoon contest in the wake of mass protests in Pakistan, fired back against Islamic outrage, saying that Muslim terrorists seek the destruction of western civilization.
“Muslim terrorists hate our way of life and our freedoms. They answer criticism of Islam with violence,” he tweeted.
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