AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (AP) — Seven Muslim radicals accused of plotting an attack in the Netherlands were to go on trial Monday, including one whose name has become synonymous here with the difficulty of obtaining judgments against terrorism suspects.

Samir Azzouz, now 20, has been arrested several times in sweeps, and was acquitted in April 2005 of plotting a terrorist attack — an embarrassment for national prosecutors.

Months after his release, Azzouz was one of six men and a woman arrested for plotting to attack a Dutch politician or government building. Authorities said he had attempted to buy weapons for the attack.

Since Azzouz’s earlier acquittal, the government has passed new laws making membership in a terrorist organization a crime and outlawing “recruiting” for a terrorist network. Azzouz is charged with both.

Evidence against him includes a videotaped apparent suicide message Azzouz recorded — leaked and broadcast on national television — in which he is shown holding an automatic rifle and saying he wanted to punish Dutch people because their government supports U.S. policies.

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