Omar H. learned through internet how to make bombs, had put inciting writings and video’s online and prepared himself for going to Syria. He was sentenced to a year imprisonment, four years, four months probation. But he was not convicted of terrorism. This is why he wasn’t sentenced to three years imprisonment as public prosecution (OM) had demanded.
Terrorism expert Bibi van Ginkel doubts if stricter punishments will have the desired effects. Research made clear that people that want to leave for Syria are not held back easily. They are, as a matter of fact, willing to give their own life. It might be that potential jihadi’s will only get angry and thus more radicalized because of stricter punishments.
