Amsterdam Police Warn of New Calls for Violence After Tram Set on Fire
Police in Amsterdam have warned of new calls for violence in the Netherlands' capital city after a tram was set on fire this week.
The tram caught fire at the '40-'45 Square in western Amsterdam, according to a police spokesman. The windows of the tram were also shattered.
The spokesman said that no one was injured in the incident, as the tram had been empty.
Police said the fire was quickly extinguished and riot officers cleared the square, making several arrests.
Footage on local broadcaster AT5 showed people in the square throwing fireworks, poles and wooden pallets.
Police told people to stay away from the square, adding that riot squads would remain there.
Olivier Dutilh, an Amsterdam police spokesperson, told a court that authorities have "signals that there are calls for similar" disturbances in the city's western areas.
Police reported that Monday's blaze was swiftly contained as riot officers moved in to clear the square. Videos posted online showed individuals vandalizing property and igniting firecrackers. Later, a police vehicle was found torched on a nearby street, with authorities suspecting it was set intentionally.
Police said it remains uncertain who incited the unrest or whether it was connected to events that took place last week. In videos shared on social media, some participants could be heard making antisemitic slurs.
Police reported detaining three suspects and called for witnesses to come forward, particularly those who may have seen a cyclist assaulted while passing through the chaos.
Five new arrests over clashes with Israeli fans
Dutch police said that they had arrested five more people over suspected involvement in attacks on Israeli football supporters who had come to see a match between visiting Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax Amsterdam last week.
The suspects are men aged 18 to 37 and living in the Netherlands.
Police had previously announced 63 arrests in connection with the clashes, but only four people remained in custody and appeared before a Dutch judge on Monday, public prosecutors said.
Earlier on Monday, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned the incidents as "antisemitic attacks."
The Dutch premier stressed that "there is nothing that can justify" the attacks on the Israeli football fans.
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