Dutch authorities announced Sunday they are conducting an investigation involving 45 individuals tied to the violent assaults on Israeli soccer fans that occurred on November 7. According to AFP, nine suspects have already been identified and apprehended.
Dutch police chief Janny Knol explained the gravity of the situation prompted an immediate escalation. “Because of the seriousness of the crimes, but also because of the social impact, we immediately scaled up to a special investigation team,” she stated in a press release.
The inquiry encompasses “all crimes committed in the run-up to the game and in its aftermath,” Knol detailed, referencing the violence in Amsterdam on November 7, which triggered widespread demonstrations and political upheaval across the country.
As law enforcement continues to review a large volume of video evidence, they anticipate identifying additional suspects, AFP reported.
“The investigation is in full swing,” Knol emphasized on Sunday. “It goes without saying, but I think it is good to emphasize that we are looking at all crimes committed in the run-up to the game and in its aftermath. Regardless of who the perpetrator or who the victim was,” she added.
Despite measures imposed to prohibit protests after the violent incident, anti-Israel demonstrations have persisted in Amsterdam.
Further unrest unfolded last Monday evening in West Amsterdam, where demonstrators vandalized public property and even set a tram on fire, leading to additional arrests.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof has publicly denounced the violence, calling it “purely antisemitic violence” and asserting there is “no justification for the intentional targeting of Jews.”
Tensions within the government escalated when a junior minister resigned on Friday, citing racist remarks by other cabinet members about the attacks on Israeli fans. The controversy brought the government to the brink of collapse during emergency talks.
{Matzav.com}