Violent Clashes in Amsterdam: Court Convicts Five Men

In Amsterdam, a Dutch court has found five men guilty of participating in violent clashes on November 8. These incidents involved Israeli football fans and pro-Palestinian protestors during a UEFA Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax Amsterdam.

Details of the Convictions

The Amsterdam district court convicted the men for offenses such as kicking Maccabi Tel Aviv fans and inciting violence online. The harshest sentence was given to a man named Sefa, who received six months in prison for public violence.

Background of the Violence

Videos showed Israeli fans chanting racist songs, vandalizing a taxi, and burning a Palestinian flag. Witnesses claimed that Israeli fans initiated the violence. The prosecutor clarified that the violence was influenced by the situation in Gaza, not by anti-Semitic motives.

Ongoing Investigations

Another man, Abushabab M, faces an attempted murder charge, with his case postponed for psychiatric evaluation. Six more suspects, including three minors, are under investigation. The police are examining the involvement of at least 45 individuals, including Israeli fans.

Reactions from Amsterdam's Mayor

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema described the violence as "hateful anti-Semitic rioting" but later regretted comparing it to historical "pogroms," acknowledging the term's misuse.