Tragic Knife Attack Claims Life of 11-Year-Old Girl in the Netherlands

Archaeologists have discovered an early medieval site in the eastern Netherlands, believed to have hosted cult rituals and associated with a pre-Christian belief system. The site, named Hezingen after a nearby hamlet, emerged following the finding of ancient coins by metal detector enthusiasts in 2019, prompting a research excavation led by Netherlands Cultural Heritage Agency archaeologist Jan-Willem de Kort. Artifacts uncovered include gold and silver jewelry and small gold coins known as tremisses, suggesting significant offerings made to local deities. The established structure contains 17 wooden postholes aligned with the equinoxes, indicating its role in seasonal agricultural rituals. The recent excavations raise questions about the site's abandonment in the late 7th or early 8th century, coinciding with the arrival of Christian missionaries in the region. De Kort emphasized the importance of treating such artifacts with respect, advocating for a deeper understanding of these discoveries beyond mere treasure hunting. The findings reflect a transition period in local spirituality as Christianity began its influence over traditional practices, according to the researchers' published research in the journal Medieval Archeology.

Dutch prosecutors have confirmed that Jos Leijdekkers, one of Europe's most-wanted drug traffickers, is currently hiding in Sierra Leone. Leijdekkers, who was sentenced in absentia to 24 years in prison by a Rotterdam court last June, faces charges related to significant drug trafficking operations, an armed robbery in Finland, and involvement in ordering a murder. The prosecution's statement follows the emergence of video footage showing Leijdekkers attending a New Year’s Day church service in Sierra Leone near the presidential family. Reports suggest he may have ties to the country's president, but these claims remain unverified. The Sierra Leone government has stated that it is investigating claims of high-level protection for Leijdekkers, and they are cooperating with Dutch authorities and Interpol for his potential extradition. Leijdekkers has been implicated in transporting around 7,000 kg of cocaine and has also been connected to the mysterious disappearance of a woman in Amsterdam in 2019. Dutch authorities have placed Leijdekkers on the EU’s most wanted list, offering a reward of €200,000 for information leading to his arrest. In a related development, former Belgian footballer Radja Nainggolan has been arrested in connection with a cocaine trafficking investigation involving the Port of Antwerp. Investigators conducted 30 house searches as part of this ongoing operation, although details about Nainggolan's specific charges are yet to be disclosed.

Thieves targeted the Drents Museum in Assen, Netherlands, early on Saturday morning, using explosives to steal several priceless Romanian prehistoric artefacts. The burglary resulted in the theft of a 2,500-year-old golden helmet, known as the helmet of Cotofanesti, and three Dacian royal bracelets from around 50 BCE, all of which were part of an exhibition dedicated to the Dacian empire. The assailants blasted open a door to gain entry to the museum, which houses artifacts on loan from the National History Museum in Bucharest, Romania. Museum director Harry Tupan expressed deep concern over the incident, noting that "in its 170-year existence, there has never been such a major incident." In response to the robbery, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis stated that Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof assured him that authorities were taking all necessary measures to identify the suspects and recover the stolen items. Law enforcement believes multiple individuals were involved in the heist, prompting the involvement of Interpol in the investigation. Authorities reported that no injuries occurred during the explosion, but damages to the building were significant. A burning car was found near the museum, indicating that the suspects may have switched vehicles after the theft. Police are appealing to the public for any information regarding the suspects or the missing artefacts.