The lawyers for defendants Perparim S. and Mario Z. want acquittals for their clients.
According to counsel Nico Meijerink of Perparim S., several incriminating testimonies, including those of co-defendant Mario Z., are unreliable.
Allegations
S. and Z. are suspected in the murder of Soufian Lahnstein in late 2013 on the Oeverwal in Maastricht. The suspects accuse each other of firing the fatal shots. Witnesses were also allegedly pressured by Z. to testify against S.. There was no plan to rob Lahnstein. "The goal was to purchase drugs," Meijerink states. "That got out of hand."
Burden of leg
Mario Z.'s lawyer is also demanding acquittal. "The only mistake my client made is that he got into the car after the shooting," says lawyer Serge Weening. There is also no question of a planned robbery, according to him. "Then why would he pay off 120 euros for drugs?" According to Weening, his client got out of the car and saw S. arguing with Lahnstein and shooting at him. Also, his client would not be able to run because he has leg trouble.
Surprised
Weening is therefore surprised at the 18-year requirement for both suspects. According to him, it is clear that co-defendant S. shot. He therefore wants his client's remand to be lifted.
Plenty of evidence
According to District Attorney David van Kuppeveld, there is "more than enough legal evidence. Among other things, he points to people who witnessed the shooting. "It is quite extraordinary to see how the suspects blame each other back and forth," he states. For the prosecutor, it is clear: "S. and Z. got into the car together at Lahnstein, got out together, ran after him together, then got into the car together and drove away with the victim's car," he says. "Therefore, they are both accomplices. Therefore, I demand 18 years in prison for both of them."
Happy
The defendants also maintained their innocence on Tuesday. "I am happy that the trial is over," Z. announced. "I can only say that I have no responsibility for what happened."
Innocent
And S. also washes his hands of the matter. "There was never any prior talk about robbing anyone. I am innocent. Have nothing to do with the victim's death. "Sentencing is on Oct. 8.
