RTL Today - Amsterdam : Five men sentenced over violence against Israeli Football fans

A Dutch court has convicted five men for their involvement in last month’s attacks on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam after a Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv.

On 24 December, the Amsterdam district court found the defendants guilty of various offenses, including physical assaults, inciting violence through online platforms, and possessing illegal explosives.

The attacks, described as "hit-and-run" style assaults, took place in the early hours of November 8. Scenes from the violence prompted outrage in Israel and was compared to "pogrom." Five Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were briefly hospitalized as a result of the clashes.

According to BBC, The most severe punishment was handed to Sefa O., aged 32, who received a six-month prison sentence for public violence targeting multiple individuals. Prosecutors presented video evidence showing Sefa O. delivering a karate-style kick to one victim, causing the person to fall against a moving tram. Additional footage depicted Sefa O. chasing and striking individuals at locations including Dam Square and Zoutsteeg. Sefa O. While prosecutors initially sought a two-year sentence, the judge emphasized the severity of the crimes and ruled imprisonment as the only suitable punishment.

Rachid O., 26, received a 10-week prison sentence after being linked to a WhatsApp group called Buurthuis2, which referred to intended victims as "cowardly" Jews. The chat group, with over 900 members, was used to coordinate acts of violence against Jewish supporters and Maccabi fans - highlighting the role of social media in planning the attacks.

Umutcan A., aged 24, was sentenced to one month for kicking multiple victims, grabbing a fan by the throat, and seizing a football scarf. Prosecutors noted that he had referenced a "Jew hunt" in chat messages, though he denied harboring antisemitic motives.

Karanveer S., 26, received a one-month sentence despite having a prior conviction for assault in 2022. The court found that his previous offense had not deterred him from participating in the recent attacks.

The youngest defendant, Lucas D., 19, was sentenced to community service under juvenile law for using violence against a police officer and possessing an illegal, high-explosive "cobra" firework. He also took part in a Snapchat group calling for violence against Maccabi fans.

A separate case involving 22-year-old Abushabab M. has been postponed pending psychiatric evaluation. M., who was born in Gaza and grew up in a conflict zone, faces an attempted murder charge. During the court hearing, M. appeared visibly emotional as his case was discussed.

In total, police are investigating at least 45 suspects connected to the violence, including fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv. Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema initially condemned the violence as antisemitic, describing it as deeply damaging to the city. However, she later expressed regret over drawing comparisons to historical pogroms, acknowledging that such language had propagandistic connotations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeled the attacks as a "premeditated antisemitic assault."

Chief prosecutor René de Beukelaer, however, rejected claims that the attacks amounted to terrorism. According to CBS News, René de Beukelaer said the attacks had "little to do" with sports, but that "in this case, there was no evidence of ... a terrorist intent and the violence was not motivated by antisemitic sentiment." Nevertheless, he acknowledged instances of antisemitic remarks exchanged in messaging groups.

Despite differing interpretations of the motives behind the violence, the court’s verdict highlights the severity of the offenses. The defendants have two weeks to appeal their sentences.