Antisemitic attacks lead to more arrests in Amsterdam
Police in Amsterdam have arrested five more people over the antisemitic violence following a match in the Europa League last week. The five men arrested, all from the Netherlands and between 18 and 37 years old, are suspected of “public violence against persons” ahead of and following the match between Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv and Dutch club Ajax.
“Antisemitic attacks against Israelis and Jews,” said Prime Minister Dick Schoof, “nothing short of shocking and reprehensible.” The violence flared up in the capital when an empty tram was attacked with rioters shouting, “Free Palestine,” local media reported.
Youths on scooters committed “hit-and-run” attacks against Maccabi supporters who travelled to the Netherlands for the Europa League match. Five people were treated in hospital and others had minor injuries. Dozens of people were detained after protesters defied a ban.
“We must not turn blind eye to antisemitism,” the Dutch king said.
The five additional arrests made are on top of the 63 announced by authorities since the violence.
Videos on social media showed a tram being attacked with fireworks, and windows being shattered. A fire on the tram was rapidly extinguished and riot officers cleared the area as they made arrests.
The PM vowed that the Netherlands would focus on bringing the perpetrators of the antisemitic violence to justice.
“The images and reports for Amsterdam and what we’ve seen this weekend of antisemitic attacks against Israelis and Jews are nothing short of shocking and reprehensible,” he told journalists.
He also commented on reports of violence from Maccabi supporters who attacked a taxi, burned a Palestinian flag, and chanted anti-Arab slogans.
“We are well aware of what happened earlier with Maccabi supporters but we think that’s of a different category and we condemn any violence as well, but that is no excuse whatsoever for what happened later on that night in the attacks on Jews in Amsterdam,” he said.
Stay tuned to EyeOnLondon for the latest news and expert opinions.
