Prosecution Service considers life imprisonment possible for Tarwekamp suspects
The substantive hearing in the criminal case against four suspects began in The Hague on Wednesday.
Follow-up to: Trial over Tarwekamp explosion begins in The Hague Wednesday, 4 November 2026, 07:09
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The Public Prosecution Service has pointed to the possibility of a life sentence in the case surrounding the explosion on The Hague’s Tarwekamp. Four suspects are on trial for their alleged involvement in the explosion in December 2024.
The substantive hearing in the criminal case began at the court in The Hague on Wednesday. It concerns four men whom the Public Prosecution Service says were involved in the explosion on Tarwekamp on 7 December 2024. Six people were killed in the explosion.
The Public Prosecution Service says the suspects had previously planned to set fire to the bridalwear shop. According to the service’s public information, that plan was later carried out again using other means. The involvement of each suspect still has to be proven.
Based on the facts as assumed by the Public Prosecution Service, a life sentence could be imposed, according to its explanation. That does not mean the court will impose that sentence. The suspects are considered innocent until their guilt has been proven.
The criminal case concerns not only the explosion itself, but also the preparations and the question of whether there was intent directed at multiple people. The court will assess the suspects’ statements, technical investigation and other evidence in conjunction.
The substantive hearing will continue in November and December. Relatives of those killed and other people affected can exercise their right to speak during the trial. The court will deliver its judgment only later; Wednesday was not a day on which the question of guilt was decided.
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One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The substantive hearing in the criminal case against four suspects has begun.
- The Public Prosecution Service says a life sentence is legally possible.
- The court still has to assess guilt and the individual roles.
Left
Arguments A societal perspective emphasises the consequences for relatives of those killed, residents and victims, and the importance of recognition and restoration alongside punishment.
Values Victims’ rights, legal protection and the responsibility of the government and society.
Consequences A careful process and room for victims to speak can contribute to recognition, even if the judgment is still a long way off.
Centre
Arguments The institutional approach emphasises evidence, individual guilt and a sentence proportionate to what the court considers proven.
Values Independent justice, the right to be heard and legal certainty.
Consequences The process may take a long time, but it must prevent public outrage from replacing the assessment of evidence.
Right
Arguments A tougher security perspective emphasises that proven cases of premeditated violence should be punished severely.
Values Protecting citizens, deterrence and public order.
Consequences A severe sentence can signal that premeditated violence against civilians has serious consequences, but it may be imposed only after guilt has been proven.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The current hearing date and the possible sentence were checked directly with the Public Prosecution Service. The text distinguishes between suspicion, charges and proven guilt.
- confirmed The substantive hearing began on 4 November 2026. — This is stated in the Public Prosecution Service’s schedule. source
- confirmed Four suspects are on trial. — The Public Prosecution Service refers to four suspects. source
- confirmed Six people were killed in the explosion. — This is mentioned in EenVandaag’s background information. source
- confirmed A life sentence is among the possible sentences. — The public explanation of the case mentions that possibility. source
Editor's note
The new development is the start of the substantive hearing and the explanation of the possible sentence. The suspects’ guilt has not been established.Sources
- Verdachten explosies Tarwekamp Den Haag — Openbaar Ministerie
- Vraag en antwoord strafzaak Tarwekamp — Openbaar Ministerie
- Verdachten Tarwekamp-explosie voor de rechter — EenVandaag
The story so far
- Wednesday, 4 November 2026, 07:09 Trial over Tarwekamp explosion begins in The Hague
- Wednesday, 4 November 2026, 08:09 Prosecution Service considers life imprisonment possible for Tarwekamp suspects (this article)
More on this in Dutch media
- NU.nl — „tarwekamp den haag”
- De Telegraaf — „tarwekamp den haag”
- AD — „tarwekamp den haag”