Amsterdam bans protests for three days following violent attacks on Israeli soccer fans
CTV
Amsterdam has banned demonstrations for three days after Israeli soccer fans were beaten and injured in violent clashes in Amsterdam overnight.
Amsterdam has banned demonstrations for three days after Israeli soccer fans were beaten and injured in violent clashes in Amsterdam overnight, which Dutch authorities condemned Friday as antisemitic.
Dutch police said they had launched a major investigation into multiple incidents following the Europa League soccer game Thursday night between Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv and Dutch side Ajax.
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema said criminals on scooters searched the city in search of Maccabi supporters in “hit-and-run” attacks. “This is a terrible moment for our city. … I am very ashamed of the behavior that was shown last night,” she said in a Friday news conference.
Amsterdam authorities said Friday morning that five injured Israeli soccer fans have since been released from the hospital, and 20 to 30 other people were lightly injured. In total, 63 individuals were arrested and 10 remain in custody, police said.
Amsterdam has implemented several additional security measures in the wake of Thursday’s unrest. A ban on demonstrations in the city was implemented on Friday and will be in place for three days until Sunday, according to Halsema. There will also be bolstered police presence.
The mayor also announced a ban on “face-covering clothing” and “carrying objects” that could lead to disturbances of public order.
The mayor added she wanted the city to be safe for Israeli soccer supporters, safe for locals and “especially safe for our Jewish residents.”
