Substantive hearing in case against Fouad L. starts Monday; EM to provide daily updates

487 days after the attack on Erasmus MC, the substantive hearing in the case against Fouad L. will begin on Monday, 27 January. The former medical student is on trial for charges including murder, arson, threats, and possession of weapons. EM will provide daily reports from the courtroom.

Five full hearing days have been reserved in the extra-secure courtroom of the Rotterdam District Court. During the last preliminary hearing in December, the judge already indicated that many members of the press, relatives, and other interested parties are expected to attend. The session will start at 9.30 am.

It is possible that the full five days will not be needed for the case, or that one of the days may not last until the planned 5.00 pm. The emotional peak of the hearings is expected to fall on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Tuesday, the victims and the relatives of the deceased victims will be given the opportunity to speak. Not everyone chooses to share their story in the courtroom; an alternative is to submit a letter to be read aloud or to record a statement in advance. Stefan Sleijfer, Chair of the Executive Board of Erasmus MC, will be one of the speakers.

The prosecution’s closing argument is scheduled for Wednesday. During this session, the public prosecutor will present their perspective on the case and the evidence. Based on this, the prosecutor will also request a sentence.

Since 1 July 2024, defendants in serious criminal cases are required to be present during the substantive hearing of their trial. Fouad L. was already present at the request of the judge during the fifth and final preliminary hearing. At the time, he said very little, even though the judge gave him the opportunity to speak.

Report

Erasmus Magazine will provide reports from the courtroom on all hearing days. Erasmus MC is directing students and staff who may need help or support to resources such as Slachtofferhulp (Victim Support), a student counsellor, or an occupational physician. More information about this is available on the hospital’s intranet.

15 January 2024

11 April 2024

4 July 2024

30 September 2024

2 December 2024