Erasmus Bridge Attacker Sentenced to Compulsory Psychiatric Treatment, Survivors Appeal

Court Orders Compulsory Psychiatric Treatment for Erasmus Bridge Attacker

A Rotterdam court, specifically the The Hague District Court, has ruled that Ayoub M., the 23-year-old man who carried out a fatal stabbing attack near the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam on September 19, 2024, will undergo compulsory psychiatric treatment (TBS) instead of a prison sentence. The court found him guilty of murder and attempted murder with terrorist intent but concluded he was 'fully criminally incompetent' due to a severe psychotic disorder.

The attack resulted in the death of a 32-year-old German man, identified as Philipp Winter, who was skating near the bridge, and seriously injured a 33-year-old Swiss man. During the incident, Ayoub M. used two chef's knives and reportedly shouted 'Allahu Akbar' before being overpowered by bystanders. Investigators found evidence of terrorist intent, including his consumption of jihadist material and Islamic State videos.

Verdict Based on Mental Incompetence

Despite the finding of terrorist intent, the court determined that Ayoub M.'s actions could not be attributed to him due to his mental state. Judges stated, 'The horrific acts cannot be blamed on him; he was completely psychotic.' Experts from the Pieter Baan Center, who examined Ayoub M. for 10 weeks, concluded he had never been entirely free of psychoses and suffered from schizophrenia and psychotic episodes. While they advised holding him partially responsible, the court rejected this, ruling him fully unaccountable.

The Public Prosecution Service had sought a 20-year prison sentence in addition to compulsory treatment, citing the premeditated and terror-driven nature of the attack. However, the court prioritized treatment, ordering Ayoub M. to pay damages of €17,500 to each of the German victim's parents and partner, and €18,500 to the injured Swiss victim.

Survivors Express Disappointment and Call for Appeal

The court's decision, delivered on Friday, December 19, 2025, has been met with mixed reactions. The Swiss survivor and the family of the deceased German victim expressed 'extraordinary disappointment' and urged the Dutch Public Prosecution Service to appeal the verdict. Their lawyer, Sébas Diekstra, stated that the court's decision did not sufficiently consider the suspect's responsibility for his actions.

Conversely, the partner of the murdered German man accepted the ruling, emphasizing the importance of treatment to prevent future incidents. He stated, 'For me, it was especially important that the murderer get help and that this cannot happen again.'

The Dutch TBS System and Prior Incidents

The TBS (Terbeschikkingstelling) system in the Netherlands is a measure for offenders with mental disorders, focusing on protecting society and treating the individual. It is not considered a punishment but a treatment, and can be prolonged indefinitely based on ongoing evaluations.

Ayoub M. had a history of violent psychotic episodes. In 2022, he attacked his mother with a knife while shouting 'Allahu Akbar' and was also deemed fully insane, leading to him being placed under supervision. At the time of the Erasmus Bridge attack, he was already under a conditional TBS order. A report revealed that authorities failed to fully monitor him in the months leading up to the Erasmus Bridge stabbing, with oversight gaps regarding his compliance with conditions, including drug and alcohol use.