Amsterdam violence suspects still not identified after police release images
Amsterdam police have not received any reports identifying three suspects accused of severe violence during the November 6 Ajax-Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer match, despite releasing clear images of the individuals Friday evening.
The three suspects, believed to be responsible for some of the most serious acts of violence, were given until 8:30 p.m. Friday to turn themselves in before police published unblurred photos. These individuals are part of a group of five initially shown with blurred faces in earlier appeals.
Two suspects from the group have been apprehended. A 32-year-old Amsterdam man voluntarily turned himself in on Thursday and remains in custody. Details about the second detained suspect have not been disclosed.
A police spokesperson confirmed that the suspects face multiple criminal charges related to the post-match riots. “We have identified 29 individuals who may have been involved in illegal acts during the unrest,” the spokesperson said. Authorities plan to release images of 24 more suspects in the coming days, starting with blurred versions.
The investigation is ongoing, with officials reviewing extensive footage to identify additional perpetrators. “New evidence could result in more suspects being added to the list,” the spokesperson added.
The violence surrounding the Ajax-Maccabi Tel Aviv match has plunged the city into days of chaos. Monday night saw further unrest when a crowd hurled fireworks and stones in Amsterdam-West, leading to a tram fire that injured one person.
Police have arrested a 16-year-old boy in connection with the tram fire. He is also accused of being involved in an explosion near a local school on the same evening. Three other suspects linked to these incidents were previously detained.
Widespread arrests during demonstrations
The unrest prompted city officials to declare an emergency ordinance, banning demonstrations and designating Amsterdam as a "safety risk area." On Wednesday, the ban led to the arrest of 281 individuals during a prohibited pro-Palestinian protest at Dam Square.
Although officials allowed a relocated demonstration at the Westergas area, some protesters refused to comply and gathered on Dam Square. Police transported attendees to designated areas, but footage of the event raised allegations of excessive force. Mayor Femke Halsema confirmed that an investigation into the conduct of officers is underway, stating that the matter is being treated with “the highest priority.”
The emergency ordinance has since expired, though heightened security measures remain in place across the city. Meanwhile, police continue their efforts to track down the remaining suspects from the November 6 riots, calling on the public to assist in identifying the individuals in the released photos.
