Tim Hofman wants proper treatment for Chris T.: 'And no harsh punishment'
Tim Hofman (36) exercised his right to speak in the court in Lelystad on Wednesday through his lawyer Maarten Pijnenburg. In a statement, the presenter pleaded not for a high sentence, but for proper treatment for Chris T., who is suspected of attempted murder of the presenter.
'There is no question that what Mr. T. attempted to do on September 6, 2023 had an impact on myself, my immediate surroundings and my colleagues, but is also socially relevant,' the statement begins. 'Indeed, the idea of killing a media maker because of what he says or makes goes hard against democratic foundations such as freedom of the press and freedom of speech. The same goes for his school fire fantasy and his thought of murdering an aid worker.'
T. is on trial Wednesday in the Lelystad court for attempted murder of Tim with a terrorist intent and for preparing a murder of an aid worker in Oss. 'Today in court it is about responsibility, and who should take it in this case,' Tim states in his statement. 'As far as I'm concerned, that's two parties: first of all, it's Mr. T. himself, after all, he was on BNNVARA's doorstep twice.'
But as far as Tim is concerned, others are also responsible, namely those 'who influence susceptible people like Mr. T.' 'In this case, judging by his expressions on social media and the pieces I read in his trial transcript, these are mostly conservative and hyper-masculine influencers, radical and far-right politicians and fundamentalist Islamic preachers.' According to Tim, "all are men who misuse their platform, influence, body of thought and canonized books to foist homophobic, transphobic, racist, sexist and anti-democratic ideas on their followers, causing great harm to society.
Tim says he realizes that the court will not judge that second group now and sees that as a responsibility of society. He concludes his argument by saying he wishes T. "good care," "rather than harsh punishment. 'In my view, we are all better off for that.' In addition, he asked T. to consider exchanging his "hate-soaked" thoughts for something warmer. "Nice response," the defendant announced in court in response. "Food for thought."
