The gunman in last year's attack in the Dutch city of Utrecht walked calmly into and around a tram, shooting at passengers from close range while shouting “Allahu akbar,” or “Allah Akbar,” according to witness statements read Monday as the terror trial of the suspect got underway.

The attack left four people dead and three wounded and shocked the Netherlands, which has avoided the large-scale terror attacks that have hit nearby nations Belgium and France.

The alleged shooter, Gokmen Tanis — bearded and handcuffed — sat flanked by guards and police in a courtroom packed with relatives of victims as Presiding Judge Ruud van Veldhuisen read out statements given to police by witnesses to the mass shooting on March 18 last year.

Read more: ABC News