THE Islamic radical accused of killing Theo van Gogh, the Dutch film-maker, limped into Amsterdam’s high-security court yesterday with a Koran under his arm and insisted on his right not to be defended because he does not recognise the authority of the court.

Mohammed Bouyeri, 27, a Dutch-Moroccan who was born and brought up in Amsterdam, is accused of shooting and stabbing the critic of Islam in the city’s streets last November before slicing through his victim’s throat and impaling a note on the body that declared holy war against the Netherlands.

He was chased by police and shot in the leg in the ensuing gunfight.

The murder stoked racial tension in the traditionally tolerant country, leading to a wave of tit-for-tat attacks on mosques and churches.

Mr Bouyeri calmly confirmed his place and date of birth. He had demanded the right not to appear in court, but the three judges compelled him to do so. Instead, Peter Plasman, his lawyer, without lodging a plea, told the judges that his client takes complete responsibility for his actions on the day of the murder. Mr Plasman said: “My client wants no defence by him, or on his behalf, and that’s a very thoroughly considered decision. He wishes to exercise his right to silence. This is probably the last thing I’ll be saying at this trial.”

Mr Bouyeri, the well-educated son of middle-class immigrants, listened to proceedings from behind a glass security screen. Prompted by the judges for more information, he replied: “I have nothing to add.”

When Udo Bentinck, one of the judges, asked the lawyer whether Mr Bouyeri’s refusal was connected with his beliefs, the lawyer would not answer, but the judge said: “I see your client nodding.”

Mr van Gogh’s mother and sister testified about their loss. Anneke, his mother, said: “After the death of our son it became clear that writing and images are dangerous and can get you killed.” Josien, his sister, said: “The death of Theo has left a big empty space in our family that will never be filled.”

Mr van Gogh, a great-great-grandnephew of Vincent van Gogh, the artist, was murdered seven months after making Submission, a film about domestic violence under Islam that outraged many Muslims. The note on his body was addressed to Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a Dutch MP, who was a refugee from Somalia and is a fierce critic of Islam.

Frits van Straelen, the prosecutor, intends to present evidence found at Mr Bouyeri’s home that includes pictures of throat cuttings and stonings to death. Police found animal blood, and believe that Mr Bouyeri rehearsed his alleged crime on a sheep. Mr Bouyeri faces life in prison if found guilty. The trial continues.

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