A Dutch-Moroccan man confessed in court today to murdering a filmmaker critical of Islam.
Mohammed Bouyeri was accused of killing Theo van Gogh as he cycled to work in Amsterdam on November 2nd, 2004.
He was charged with shooting and stabbing Van Gogh before cutting his throat and leaving a note pinned to his body with a knife.
"I want you to know that I acted out of conviction and not that I took his life because he was Dutch or because I was Moroccan and felt insulted," the Islamist (27), told Amsterdam District Court.
He had been silent on a plea up until now.
Bouyeri could face up to life in prison if found guilty of the murder. He faces other charges including the attempted murder of police officers and illegal possession of weapons.
Van Gogh, a descendant of the brother of the 19th-century Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, was known for his outspoken criticism of Islam and angered many Muslims by making a film that accused Islam of condoning violence against women.