DNA match links suspect to violent sexual assault of EUR student

There is an exact DNA match between the 18-year-old suspect and the DNA trace evidence obtained at the location of the crime scene where the rape occured, according to the Rotterdam police. The match is a result of an expedited procedure at the Netherlands Forensic Institute.

The suspect was arrested earlier this week. The police have tracked down the suspect by following a lead and viewing video images along the victim’s bicycle route.

The Indonesian student was likely followed when she cycled home from Rotterdam Central Station last Saturday morning around five o’clock in the morning. Half an hour later, the 20-year-old was attacked and raped in front of her house in the Esch neighbourhood. She was rushed to the hospital after the attack. The victim has undergone surgery and is now responsive, according to the police.

Read more:

• Student of EUR is victim of rape
• Suspect (18) arrested for violent sexual assault of EUR student

Silent march

Tuesday evening, 31 July, a solidarity march will be organised in Rotterdam. “This is a silent march for the survivor of the violent rape,” explains the organizer. “At 20.00 we’ll walk from Rotterdam Central Station to the Esch. Everyone is more than welcome to join this march to stand together against sexual harassment and sexual violence.”