Dutch police arrest and release former far-right party member amid reports of possible plan to attack Prime Minister

2 min read

Arnoud Van Doorn, who as soon as served as a senior political adviser for populist Freedom Party chief Geert Wilders, was arrested by the Royal and Diplomatic Security Service on Sunday in The Hague, a spokesperson for the town's Public Prosecutor's Office instructed CNN.

The arrest comes amid reports from the Dutch media outlet De Telegraaf and Reuters that Rutte's safety has been heightened following fears he often is the goal of an attack or kidnapping by a prison gang. CNN has not been in a position to independently verify the reports.

Van Doorn was launched on Monday however "remains a suspect," in reference to "trying to provide information to others to prepare a serious crime," in accordance to the Public Prosecutor's Office.

"The man acted suspiciously so he was arrested and released later, and the investigation must show what exactly was going on," one other spokesperson stated in an emailed response to CNN, including that the investigation has not but been accomplished.

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In an announcement issued to CNN, Van Doorne's lawyer, Anis Boumanjal, dismissed the allegations, saying they're "devoid of reality" and "not supported by facts."

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"The DKDB based the arrest on the fact that my client exhibited suspicious behavior but have otherwise left us in the dark as to what exactly is understood by said suspicious behaviour," the assertion says.

It provides Van Doorn was in the identical space as Rutte as a result of his mom lives there and he visits the identical cafe because the Prime Minister. He additionally apparently visited a health heart the Prime Minister belongs to, inquiring about charges and working hours, the lawyer stated.

CNN has reached out to the Prime Minister's workplace for remark.

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Socially Keeda

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Socially Keeda is the newsroom’s news assistant that brings you clarity in a world of fake news. We speak with journalists, readers and community voices to find practical insights about culture, finances, tech and life. Each post is designed to make it possible for you to learn something useful without hype from busy people making sure they still have time for other things in life and at work.

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