Investigation into violence surrounding Ajax-Maccabi Tel Aviv to start soon

The independent investigation that the city of Amsterdam commissioned into the violence surrounding the Ajax-Maccabi Tel Aviv football match will focus primarily on the way in which the police, the Public Prosecution Service and the mayor performed their work. This will happen in the short term, so that any lessons can be quickly implemented, Mayor Femke Halsema wrote in a letter to City Council on Thursday.

“By examining our own actions, we want to learn from the events and be accountable to your Council,” said Halsema. “The investigation is focusing on the planning and risk assessment, the administrative preparations and decision-making, the operational planning and decision-making, and finally the mutual information exchange.”
The investigation will be conducted by an independent research agency that has yet to be selected, alongside a simultaneous investigation by the Justice and Security Inspectorate. That second investigation will also look at the role of the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV).

These two studies should complement each other, and should not overlap, Halsema wrote. “The emphasis is on learning from these events and not on naming 'mistakes.’”

She pointed out that “emotions are still high weeks after the incidents.” This was evident during the pro-Palestine and pro-Jewish demonstrations in the city that were planned on the Dam squad but were not allowed to take place there due to safety issues.

The council of mayors and alderman would like to extend the period for registration of demonstrations from at least 24 hours in advance to 48 hours for demonstrations in one place or 72 hours in advance for demonstrations that move, such as a protest march.

This would give the police, OM, and municipality more time to protect the demonstrations. Halsema noted in a committee meeting on Thursday that it should always remain possible to demonstrate at short notice, but registration is preferred. She hopes that the extended registration period will have a "disciplinary effect", because "everyone benefits from an orderly demonstration.” The city council will decide on the matter on Wednesday.