After seven convictions yesterday, another seven suspects are facing court today for the riots in the AZ stadium, around the match against West Ham United. If convicted, they immediately receive their sentence.
These are men between the ages of 19 and 45. Five come from Alkmaar, there is also someone from Egmond aan den Hoef and from Egmond-Binnen before the judge.
According to the Public Prosecution Service, they committed violence against police officers, stewards and spectators. Two of them have been in custody for a while. Five were allowed to await the investigation in freedom.
Things got so out of hand on Ascension Day, during the return in the Conference League semi-final against London club West Ham United. Flag before the final whistle, a group of some 150 to 200 men stormed down the stands and broke through a gate into the main stand with rival supporters.
Cell and stadium ban
Yesterday the first rioters to court. They had been stuck for more than two weeks, miss the home front and some fear losing their jobs. “I just want to go home to my children,” one of them declared.
Many of them regretted their actions, but the judge was unrelenting and sentenced the seven to prison and community service.
More sessions about the disturbances at AZ will probably follow next week. More on that later today.
In a so-called fast-track hearing, relatively soon after the incident, it is discussed in a short time what someone is suspected of, what possible evidence there is, but also what defense the accused person’s lawyer is conducting. About half an hour is scheduled for each suspect, but this can always be extended.
The first hearing is today at 9 a.m. in the court of Alkmaar. Then six more follow.