Investigation into Antisemitic Attacks in Amsterdam
The Amsterdam police are currently holding four suspects in connection with an ongoing investigation related to a series of antisemitic attacks targeting Israeli soccer fans in the Dutch capital during the past week. According to a police spokeswoman, the situation escalated significantly over the course of two days, leading to widespread concern among local authorities.
Initially, law enforcement detained a total of 62 individuals following the violent incidents that occurred on Thursday and Friday. The unrest was particularly pronounced during a match between Ajax, a prominent Dutch soccer team, and Maccabi Tel Aviv, an Israeli club, which served as a flashpoint for tensions.
Footage from the events captured Israeli fans chanting provocative anti-Arab slogans as they made their way to the stadium, while police provided protection near Amsterdam’s central train station in an effort to ensure their safety amidst the backdrop of rising anger related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. One of the controversial chants echoed, “Why is there no school in Gaza? There are no children left there.”
At the stadium, the situation remained tense, with riot police and mounted officers deployed to separate pro-Palestinian demonstrators from Israeli supporters, highlighting the charged atmosphere surrounding the event.
Of the 62 individuals initially detained, most were released shortly thereafter, but four suspects remained in custody as of Saturday. These individuals are facing allegations of public violence, as confirmed by Marijke Stor, a police spokeswoman. Among those in custody is a 26-year-old man who was apprehended on Friday after being identified through CCTV footage.
“If individuals are released, it does not imply that they are no longer considered suspects,” Ms. Stor stated, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the investigation. “Additional arrests may still occur, as our inquiries continue,” she added. As of now, prosecutors have not laid any formal charges against those detained.
