2 November 2004
AMSTERDAM -- Theo van Gogh, great-grandson of the brother of Vincent van Gogh, was killed in Amsterdam. Van Gogh, a controversial filmmaker, was stabbed and shot in an Amsterdam park sometime in the early morning. A suspect was apprehended following a confrontation in which a police officer was wounded.
Van Gogh, a proponent of free speech, directed "Submission" a short television fictional film about a Muslim woman abused by her husband. The film was widely condemned by the Netherland's Muslim community.
The suspect, reported to be wearing traditional Muslim clothing, remains in custody. Dutch prime minister Jan Peter Balkenende urged calm while an investigation is launched.
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