Samir Azzouz

Samir Azzouz (born 27 June 1986) is a Dutch national suspected of terrorist activities. Azzouz was born in the Netherlands of Moroccan parrents. He has been convicted for illegal possession of firearms, but is not currently incarcerated.

Azzouz was born in Amsterdam and grew up in a relatively poor immigrant neighboorhood. He was a successful student in high school and completed his VWO (the highest level in the Dutch secondary school system, granting access to university). It was during his time in high school that he began following a radical form of islam.

In January 2003 Azzouz was arrested in Russia. He and a friend were allegedly on their way to Chechnya to fight for the jihad. However, the pair of 17-year olds lacked proper passports and clothing and had to return to the Netherlands.

In October 2003 Azzouz and four others were arrested in the Netherlands. They were suspected of constituting a terrorist cell, but were released for lack of evidence.

On 30 June 2004 Azzouz was arrested again for the armed robbery of a supermarket. During a search of Azzouz's house, police found what they believed to be evidence that Azzouz had been involved in planning several attacks on Dutch targets, such as Schiphol Airport and the nuclear power plant in Borssele. Police found maps of these targets, some chemicals used in explosives, such as fertilizer, and ammunition.

However, at trial the judge concluded there was insufficient evidence to convict Azzouz on the charge of planning terrorist attacks. He was only convicted on the charge of illegal possession of firearms and sentenced to three months in jail. However, the prosecutor has appealed that verdict. The appeal has yet to be heard.

Azzouz and his wife Abida currently live with Abida's mother. Abida's brother, Omar (born 1978) has been interviewed three times by the Dutch General Intelligence and Security Office (AIVD) about terrorist operations.