Police arrested 62 people after violence that broke out on Thursday night against Jewish football supporters in Amsterdam. Ten are still in custody, according to the latest statement from the Dutch Public Prosecutor.
Eight adults and two minors were detained for open violence against individuals and groups, said chief prosecutor René de Beukelaer. The ten suspects should be tried as soon as possible through a fast-track procedure. "We will demand sentences appropriate to the severity and background of the offences," De Beukelaer said.
The 52 others who were arrested last night but have since been released are still suspected of offences such as launching fireworks. The police said they have film footage and are also calling on witnesses to share videos with the police.
"We are also investigating whether there are links between these suspects and whether it was organised," De Beukelaer said.
Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema. Credit: Belga
At a press conference, Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema said that it was "a pitch-black night" for the city. "Young men on scooters crossed the city, fleeing from the police. The fact that this is happening in Amsterdam is unbearable and indigestible. Our city has been deeply damaged, our Jewish life and culture are under threat."
She emphasised that she had asked the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism (NCTV) to make a threat assessment of the football match between FCA Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv FC, as well as the commemoration of Kristallnacht (the anniversary of the November Pogrom of 1938) on the same evening. According to Halsema, no concrete threat emerged from this.
This weekend, a demonstration ban and a ban on face-covering clothing will apply in the Dutch capital. Security forces will pay extra attention to vulnerable objects and institutions.
Head of the Amsterdam police unit Peter Holla described how the perpetrators resorted to "hit-and-run actions", which are difficult to trace. But he insisted that enough police were at the scene: "800 officers were deployed – an exceptionally large amount for Amsterdam."
Holla also confirmed reports on social media that Maccabi supporters had removed at least one Palestinian flag from a facade and set another on fire. A taxi driver was also assaulted by hooligans and videos appeared online in which Israeli supporters allegedly sang provocative songs about Palestinians.
Mayor Halsema stressed that the behaviour of some Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters was "no excuse" for the violence that followed. She said that the foreign fans' behaviour may have had an influence "on the general atmosphere in the city."
Five people had to be taken to hospital as a result of the violence. They were all discharged on Friday. As far as is known, 20 to 30 other Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters were lightly injured.
'We failed the Jewish community in the Netherlands'
While Israeli media reported that several Maccabi fans went missing and had allegedly been kidnapped or taken hostage, the Amsterdam police denied these claims, saying in a press conference that they have no such information. People who could not be contacted during the chaos last night have since been located. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has since been in contact with all Israelis who were in Amsterdam for the match.
On Friday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog also spoke with Dutch King Willem-Alexander, Herzog's cabinet announced via social media. During the conversation, Willem-Alexander condemned the events and expressed his "horror and shock" at these acts.
"We failed the Jewish community in the Netherlands during World War II, and last night we failed again," Willem-Alexander was reported by Herzog's cabinet to have said.
The Government Information Service, which communicates on behalf of the Dutch royal family, confirms that there has been contact. "I have just spoken to President Herzog about the events in Amsterdam last night. I told him how shocked my wife and I are by the violence against Israeli supporters who are guests in our country," a message on social media reads.
"We cannot turn a blind eye to anti-Semitic behaviour on our streets. Our history has taught us how intimidation goes from bad to worse, with horrific consequences. Jews must feel safe in the Netherlands, everywhere and at all times. We put our arms around them and will not let go," the statement reads.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof strongly condemned the attacks and says he is "ashamed" of the "unacceptable anti-Semitic attacks on Israelis."
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In his conversation with the King, Herzog demanded the Dutch authorities "do everything they can" to ensure the safety of Jews and Israelis in the country. He also called for the immediate evacuation of all Israelis who want to return, the President's office stated.
Later on Friday, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the "anti-Arab chants and attacks on a Palestinian flag" by Israeli football fans in Amsterdam, reported Palestinian news agency WAFA. The Ministry suggested that these provocations ultimately led to the violence against Israeli football fans. They added that there was "a threat to the Palestinians" and the Dutch government must open an investigation into those responsible.
In the meantime, Belgium's outgoing Prime Minister Alexander De Croo also spoke out about the clashes, calling the violence against Israeli football supporters in Amsterdam unacceptable. "On behalf of Belgium, I express my condolences to the victims and their families."
"Anti-Semitism has no place in Europe," he added. "I spoke about it with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof and we strongly condemn these acts."
