Reports: Geert Wilders is on the target list of a terrorist cell in Belgium and withdraws from an electoral debate.
Dutch politician Geert Wilders withdrew from a scheduled election debate on NOS channel after reports emerged that he was among the potential targets of a recently arrested terrorist cell in Belgium. Authorities are still investigating the credibility of the threat, while Wilders decided to stay out of sight as a precaution.
According to the Belgian channel VTM Nieuws, Wilders' name appeared on the list of attack targets alongside Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and the Mayor of Antwerp, Els Van Duyse. Reports indicated that the suspects planned politically motivated attacks inspired by jihadist ideology.
The Dutch national coordinator for counter-terrorism and security (NCTV) has not yet confirmed these reports. However, Wilders commented on the matter via platform X (formerly Twitter) saying: 'It is now being verified whether this report is true or not. Until I know the truth, I will not go anywhere.'
The Belgian prosecutor announced on Thursday that three young men from the city of Antwerp have been arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. The suspects are 18, 23, and 24 years old, and are believed to have planned to assassinate local and international politicians. Authorities clarified that the suspects were planning to use a drone loaded with explosives to carry out the attack.
During the raids, Belgian police found a homemade explosive device in the home of the youngest suspect, as well as a 3D printer in the home of another. The suspects are scheduled to appear before an investigating judge on Friday. According to Belgian media, one of the suspects was released due to insufficient evidence, while the investigation continues with the others.