Remembrance Day services disrupted   

By The Holland Times Wednesday 05 May 2010, 11:05

A 39-year-old Dutch citizen created a disturbance Tuesday during the annual commemoration of Remembrance Day in the Capital. The man will be charged with disturbing public order, announced the Public Prosecutor's office (OM).

The incident began when the man was found in the Dam Square muttering obscure texts and crying. He appeared as an Orthodox jew, wearing a hat and ringlets. 

According to the OM, the man may face prolonged detention because, "in addition to disturbance of public order, he is also suspected of causing bodily harm by negligence.”

The man's disturbance caused a panic in the square during the two minutes silence led by the Royal family and attended by hundreds of onlookers.

The ensuing panic resulted in 63 injuries, none of which were serious and no victims had to stay overnight in the hospital. According to authorities, the injuries were mostly sprains and fractures.

The OM said that the suspect has made no statement and it remains unclear what his motives were. Police are interviewing several witnesses today, in addition to conducting further research. 

Evaluation of the suspect's personal and psychological condition is still ongoing. The OM said the man has previously been convicted of theft, violence and drug offences.