5 sentenced in riot-related violence between Dutch and Israeli soccer fans

The first criminal sentences related to riots at a soccer match between a Netherlands club and an Israeli club in Amsterdam last month have been handed down. A judge leveled the sentences on Tuesday, Dec. 24.

The judge handed down a six-month prison sentence to one man, while giving another defendant two and a half months in jail. Two others were given a one-month prison sentence. A fifth man received 100 hours of community service.

The men reportedly range in age from 19 to 32 years old.

Police say one of the defendants mentioned a “Jew Hunt” in a group chat and another described Israeli soccer fans as “cowardly Jews” on a WhatsApp chat.

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The chief prosecutor in the case rejected suggestions the attacks amounted to terrorism due to targeted violence. They said the defendants’ actions didn’t qualify as terrorism because the “goal” of the suspects wasn’t to create fear among the people they were attacking.

The five men reportedly have two weeks to appeal their sentences.

The violence outside the soccer stadium led to international uproar and accusations of targeted antisemitic attacks and unruly behavior from Israeli fans. Israeli fans reportedly tore down a Palestinian flag and attacked a taxi.

The riots sent five people to the hospital and left 20 others with minor injuries, according to authorities. Police say they detained more than 60 people during the chaotic scene.

Authorities say the violence took place between pro-Palestinian protesters and Israeli soccer fans.

Prosecutors argued the violence erupted because of “strong pro-Palestinian sentiments and dissatisfaction with the war in Gaza.” They said some rioters took out their anger on Israelis attending the game.

The Nov. 8 match still went on after Netherlands authorities found no “concrete threat” to Israeli fans.

Six more suspects in the riots have trials set for later dates, including three minors.

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Police say they are continuing to investigate what happened outside the stadium in early November and have released images of suspects they want the public to help identify.