Controversial filmmaker shot
2004-11-02 14:58
Netherlands - A Dutch filmmaker who had made a film critical of some elements of Islamic culture has been shot dead in Amsterdam, media reported on Tuesday.
Police confirmed a fatal shooting occurred outside a city government office, but could not confirm the identity of the victim.
Amsterdam local television station AT5 cited eyewitnesses saying that the victim was filmmaker Theo van Gogh.
Police spokesperson Eric Vermeulen said that the victim was shot, and the shooter then fled to a local park. He was then arrested after exchanging fire with police.
Both the suspect and a policeman suffered minor injuries in the shootout and are now in hospital.
"They were conscious" when taken to hospital, said Vermeulen.
- AP