Trial over Tarwekamp explosion begins in The Hague
Four suspects appear in court from today over their possible role in the deadly explosion in December 2024.
There is news on this story (Wednesday, 4 November 2026, 08:09): Prosecution Service considers life imprisonment possible for Tarwekamp suspects
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The court in The Hague begins today the substantive hearing in the criminal case concerning the explosion on Tarwekamp. Four men are suspected of involvement in the explosion and the arson that preceded it.
The case begins with consideration of the facts. The Public Prosecution Service has scheduled hearing days for 4 and 5 November. The court expects the substantive hearing to continue later in November; according to the court, a judgment is provisionally scheduled for January 2027.
Six people were killed and others injured in the explosion on 7 December 2024. Homes and businesses on Tarwekamp were badly damaged. The court is hearing the case against four suspects. They have not yet been found guilty in law.
The Public Prosecution Service suspects the men of involvement in the explosions and the arson. The role each suspect is alleged to have played, according to the prosecution, will be explained further during consideration of the facts and the closing-submissions stage. The defence will then have the opportunity to respond to the allegations.
The case also involves substantial damage and many victims. According to the Public Prosecution Service, more than thirty people affected have indicated that they wish to exercise their right to speak. According to the prosecution, the court has reserved hearing days for this on 10 and 11 November. Those affected may also join the criminal proceedings as injured parties seeking compensation.
The first substantive hearing days will therefore not immediately concern a verdict or sentence, but what happened and what involvement the suspects had according to the case file. The court must ultimately assess separately whether the allegations have been proved lawfully and convincingly.
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One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The court will hear the criminal case against four suspects from 4 November.
- Six people were killed in the explosion on 7 December 2024.
- The suspects have not yet been convicted.
Left
Arguments Generally emphasises the position of victims, bereaved relatives and local residents, and believes that the legal process should provide room for recognition, compensation and recovery.
Values Legal protection, solidarity and attention to social consequences.
Consequences Fears that a strong emphasis on punishment alone would leave the interests of those affected and the neighbourhood’s long-term consequences underexposed.
Centre
Arguments Emphasises careful proceedings that give room to both victims and the defence, without anticipating the question of guilt.
Values An independent judiciary, procedural care and equal treatment.
Consequences Wants to prevent public pressure from influencing the assessment of evidence or the rights of suspects.
Right
Arguments Emphasises above all the seriousness of the facts, residents’ safety and clear accountability when guilt is proven.
Values Public order, protection of citizens and legal certainty.
Consequences Fears that lengthy proceedings will further damage confidence in the rule of law and the sense of security.
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 key facts are based on the court and the Public Prosecution Service. The text clearly distinguishes between suspicion and proof of guilt.
- confirmed The substantive hearing begins on 4 November 2026 at the court in The Hague. — Reported by Rechtspraak and the Public Prosecution Service. source
- confirmed Four suspects are standing trial. — Reported by the Public Prosecution Service. source
- confirmed Six people were killed in the explosion. — Background information from the Public Prosecution Service and Omroep West. source
- confirmed More than thirty people affected want to exercise their right to speak. — Reported in the Public Prosecution Service’s FAQ. source
Editor's note
It is certain that the substantive hearing begins on 4 November, that four suspects are standing trial and that six people were killed. The suspects’ ultimate roles and the assessment of the evidence still have to be established in court.Sources
- Aanmelden journalisten voor inhoudelijke behandeling zaak explosie Tarwekamp vanaf 4 november — Rechtspraak
- Verdachten explosies Tarwekamp Den Haag — Openbaar Ministerie
- Vraag en antwoord strafzaak Tarwekamp — Openbaar Ministerie
- Rechtszaak explosie Tarwekamp in Den Haag gaat beginnen — Omroep West
The story so far
- Wednesday, 4 November 2026, 07:09 Trial over Tarwekamp explosion begins in The Hague (this article)
- Wednesday, 4 November 2026, 08:09 Prosecution Service considers life imprisonment possible for Tarwekamp suspects
More on this in Dutch media
- RTL Nieuws — „tarwekamp den haag”
- NOS — „tarwekamp den haag”
- Het Parool — „tarwekamp den haag”