A Dutch court has convicted five men involved in violent assaults against Israeli football fans in Amsterdam last month, an incident that drew global attention and sparked allegations of anti-Semitism.
Following a European League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax, fans of the Israeli team were attacked in “hit-and-run” style assaults. The Amsterdam district court found the men guilty of crimes ranging from physical attacks to inciting violence via chat groups.
The most severe sentence was six months for Sefa O., identified as a leader in the attacks. He was seen on video kicking and punching victims. Prosecutors stated the violence was influenced by the situation in Gaza rather than anti-Semitic motives.
Another assailant, Umutcan A., received a one-month sentence for assault and theft of a fan’s scarf. Despite calls for harsher penalties, the judge emphasized the gravity of the offenses warranted imprisonment.
The violence, which left five fans hospitalized, was condemned by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “premeditated anti-Semitic attack.” However, the prosecutor clarified there was no evidence of anti-Semitic intent.
In the aftermath, Amsterdam’s mayor initially described the incident as reminiscent of “pogroms,” a statement she later regretted.
Further investigations are ongoing, with more suspects, including minors, set to face court proceedings.
+ There are no comments
Add yours