Prosecutors seek two-year sentence for suspect behind attacks on Israelis in Amsterdam

Prosecutors are calling for two years in jail for a man suspected of punching and kicking Israeli tourists in Amsterdam last month during a violent attack following the Ajax-Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer match which Israeli and Dutch officials have said was motivated by antisemitism.

The 22-year-old identified as Sefa O. is one of five suspects before an Amsterdam court on charges relating to the chaos in the city following the soccer match.

Israeli officials said 10 people were injured in the November 7 violence, perpetrated by local Arab and Muslim gangs against Maccabi fans after the match. Hundreds more Israelis huddled in their hotels for hours, fearing they could be attacked. Many said that Dutch security forces were nowhere to be found as the Israeli tourists were ambushed by gangs of masked assailants who shouted pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel slogans while they hunted, beat and harassed them.

The court sees images of a man alleged to be O. kicking a person on the ground, chasing targets, and punching people in the head and the body.

O. played a “leading role” in the violence which “had little to do with football,” the prosecutor alleges.

However, the prosecutor claims that “in this case, there was no evidence of… a terrorist intent and the violence was not motivated by antisemitic sentiment.”

“The violence was influenced by the situation in Gaza, not by antisemitism,” says the prosecutor.

O, who sits hunched and looking down at his hands, says he “very much regretted his presence” at the violence and that he wanted “to start a new life” with his family.

“My wife is pregnant. For my family and my parents, I have decided from now on only to hang around with good people,” says O, who handed himself to the police and has since been in detention.

Prosecutors called for a second suspect, named as Lucas D., to receive a jail sentence of six months for throwing stones at police and illegal possession of fireworks.

He also stands accused of being part of a Snapchat group in which violence was incited against the Israeli fans.

The five men, ranging in age from 19 to 32, are facing a three-judge bench at the Amsterdam District Court in staggered appearances. Two more suspects are to appear on Thursday.

All seven have been charged with public violence. A further six suspects are set to appear at a later stage. Three of these suspects are minors and their cases will be heard behind closed doors.

The court is expected to hand down its verdict on December 24.