Amsterdam - A radical animal rights activist was arrested Tuesday for allegedly planning an attack on Dutch queen Beatrix to protest the fact that she wears furs. The news comes three months after a different attack left nine people dead when an assailant intentionally ploughed his car into a crowd in an attempt to attack the royal family.
In the latest development, Peter Janssen, 23, who has become known throughout the Netherlands for spectacular events in the name of ending animal abuse, was arrested on charges of planning an attack and unlawful possession of a weapon.
Police raided his home and that of a friend, confiscating two computers, but no gun was found.
A spokesman for the state attorney's office said there were a number of concrete justifications for the investigation. Multiple witnesses have also filed reports on Janssen.
Police said Janssen was first arrested on similar suspicions during Queen's Day celebrations on April 30, 2008 in the northern Dutch town of Makkum, attended by the Dutch head of state and her family.
Janssen was then detained on charges of disturbing public order, but released the following day.
The nature of the latest alleged planned attack remains unclear. Through his attorney, Janssen rejected all charges against him. Attorney Gerard Spong said Janssen was innocent of all charges.
Janssen was dubbed the "Vegan Streaker" in 2008 after disrupting a popular live Saturday night television show wearing only underpants to raise public awareness about animal rights.
He was arrested several months ago for allegedly releasing 2,500 mink on a farm in Stavenisse in the southern Netherlands. In April police released him, pending further investigations, to take care of his sick mother.
It was not immediately confirmed whether Janssen would be brought before a judge on Thursday to determine possible extension of custody.
