A Dutch court in Amsterdam has convicted five men for their involvement in violent clashes between Israeli football fans and alleged pro-Palestinian protesters in November.
The Amsterdam district court found the men guilty of crimes ranging from assaulting fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv to inciting violence in online chat groups.
The most severe sentence was handed to Sefa O, who received six months in prison for his role in public violence against several individuals.
Videos from the incidents on November 8 showed Israeli fans chanting racist and anti-Arab songs, vandalising property, and burning a Palestinian flag, which led to violent skirmishes in the city. These clashes took place before and after a Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax.
Witnesses and local officials reported that the violence was instigated by Israeli fans. Despite the violent nature of the events, the prosecutor in the case emphasised that the attacks were not motivated by anti-Semitic sentiment but were influenced by the ongoing situation in Gaza.
Among the other convicted individuals, 24-year-old Umutcan A received a one-month sentence for assaulting fans and ripping a Maccabi Tel Aviv scarf from one of them.
A 22-year-old man, Abushabab M, faces a charge of attempted murder, though his case has been postponed for a psychiatric evaluation. His lawyer mentioned that he had grown up in a war zone in Gaza, and the young man was seen sobbing during the hearing.
The court also noted that six additional suspects, including three minors, are yet to be tried, and their cases will be heard behind closed doors. In total, at least 45 individuals are under investigation in connection with the violence, including actions by Israeli football fans.
