THE HAGUE: The Netherlands on Monday started the trial of a man suspected of shooting dead three people and setting fire to a hospital in Rotterdam during a rampage that sparked pandemonium and shocked the country.

A medical student named as Fouad L. is suspected of shooting dead his neighbour and her 14-year-old daughter before storming into the packed Erasmus hospital in Rotterdam hurling petrol bombs.

The 32-year-old, who has become known in the Dutch press as the “Erasmus shooter”, was not present for the opening of the trial, held under tight security in the Dutch port city.

In the hospital, he burst into a classroom and shot dead a 43-year-old teacher. Authorities believe he was motivated by anger after passing his medical exams but being required to take a psychological test.

Prosecutors had warned the hospital that he displayed “psychotic” behaviour, including lying half-naked on a pile of leaves, laughing maniacally, and torturing his pet rabbit.

Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2024