Trial over deadly Tarwekamp explosion in The Hague enters week two

The criminal trial of four suspects over the explosion on the Tarwekamp in The Hague began this week. The lead suspect is Moshtag B. Another suspect, Adil A., maintains that he is innocent. His account is that he considered the arson too dangerous and was not present at the attack. Moshtag B. says Adil came up with the arson plan.

The case has nine hearing days in total. The first week went through the suspicions at length. Next week, two hearing days will deal with the suspects' personal circumstances and mental state.

On the second hearing day, the judge read out accounts of the people who died, including statements that relatives, partners and neighbours gave to the police. A boy who lost his sister and parents in the explosion also gave a statement.

One relative's report to the police, read out in court, said: "We called every day, but now he suddenly doesn't pick up." She learned only a day later that the disaster had happened.

Interest in the trial is high. Four rooms outside the courtroom have been set up with a livestream of the hearings. Victims and bereaved relatives have waited almost two years for the suspects' answers.