Gay couples also attacked in Amsterdam, Eindhoven
Gay couples in Amsterdam and Eindhoven also reported being assaulted because of their sexuality over the weekend. An 18-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Eindhoven incident. The Amsterdam police are still looking for the perpetrator.
The couple in Amsterdam were attacked on Kerkstraat late Saturday night. They spread pamphlets in the area calling for witnesses to come forward, AD reports. The police confirmed to the newspaper that the couple reported the assault and that it may have been a hate crime.
The two were walking down Kerkstraat when, according to the pamphlet, a man came out of a house and shouted 'fuck you gay'. The man hit one of the couple in the face with bolt cutters, knocking loose some teeth. The couple fled to a restaurant, where they were attacked by another man just outside the doors. The perpetrators fled when the victims called the police, according to the newspaper.
In Eindhoven two men, aged 22 and 25 years, went to police officers in the city's entertainment district and reported being assaulted, the Telegraaf reports. An 18-year-old man was arrested. He has since been released, but will have to appear in court at a later date. One of the victims wrote on Facebook: "This is certainly not the first time; I've been scolded for gay so often when I walk out of the Pallaz that I've lost track. But that it was now so physically close gives me a lot of anxiety."
Another gay couple was attacked by a group of young people in Arnhem early on Sunday morning while walking home from a party holding hands. Ronnie Sewratan-Vernes had his teeth knocked out with bolt cutters, partner Jasper Vernes-Sewratan said to the media. Six suspects between the ages of 14 and 20 years were arrested. They are still in custody.
On Monday night lawyer Gerald Roethof, representing one of the suspects, said that his client also pressed charges. According to his client, the gay couple started the fight.
