Azim A., the 21-year-old man charged with shooting and maiming a student on the Korreweg in Groningen last year, has been sentenced to ten years and mandatory psychiatric treatment.
Translation by Traci White
Azim A. was charged with shooting Sidney Ruiter, a 21-year-old student who was left permanently disabled. During Azim A.’s trial in September, the prosecution called for him to be sentenced to 12 years with mandatory psychiatric treatment for attempted murder but the judge ultimately ruled that the suspect had committed attempted manslaughter, which is a less serious charge, due to a lack of evidence of premeditation.
Dagblad van het Noorden reports that four other suspects who helped A. to elude capture for three weeks were also addressed in the sentencing. Dany A. and Tolga K., who were present at the time of the shooting, received different sentences: Dany A. was sentences to a six month sentence, including three months suspended, and Tolga K. was sentenced to 160 hours of community service and a three month suspended sentence. John V., another suspect who helped Azim hide, was sentenced to 120 hours of community service, and a fourth suspect, Rutch I. was cleared of charges.
In the days following the September hearing, one of the suspects apparently targeted for testifying against him. A car was set on fire across the street form Dany A.’s home on the Kastanjelaan. The police stated at the time that they suspected the car fire was connected to the case.
