Killer Of Dutch Filmmaker Won't Defend Himself In Court

11 July 2005 -- The accused killer of Dutch filmmaker Theo Van Gogh appeared in court today refusing to defend himself and saying he did not recognize the court's authority.

Muhammad Bouyeri, a Dutch citizen of Moroccan origin, declined to answer the questions put to him, instead reciting verses from the Koran.

Bouyeri's lawyer said his client admitted to killing Van Gogh in November 2004 and he said Bouyeri did not wish to offer any defense.

Bouyeri is believed to have killed Van Gogh because of the Dutch filmmaker's movie "Submission" that depicted violence against women in Muslim society.

He could be sentenced to life imprisonment if found guilty.

(AP/dpa/AFP)