Our reporter Marcel Vink is present at the case. Follow his live report at the bottom of this post.
The Public Prosecutor demanded a partially suspended six-week prison sentence against Michiel M. The Public Prosecutor spoke of an “orgy of violence”, to which M. has made a substantial contribution, according to the Public Prosecutor. In addition to a six-week prison sentence, three of which were suspended, he demanded a hundred hours of community service.
‘I know that man’
Almeerder Michel M. is the first suspect on trial for open violence against the police. The man was recognized on NOS images of the demonstration that got out of hand. “I know that man,” said M. when the police judge confronted him with the images in the Amsterdam court.
The images show how M. raises his index finger to the riot police, whom he immediately attacks. M said to the magistrate: ‘I pointed to the officer and told him: ‘If you’re such a big boy to beat up old people, you can try it on me instead of someone in their eighties’. ” M. denies that he came to demonstrate. He says he made an appointment with friends and did so on the Museumplein.
The police arrested 30 people during the prohibited demonstration.
On Wednesday, four more suspects will be brought before the examining magistrate, who will decide whether to extend their pre-trial detention. It concerns four men from Rotterdam (34 years), Amsterdam (53 years), Haarlem (57 years) and Gouda (60 years), respectively. They may face a summary trial on January 12 for public assault or assault on a police officer.
At another time, the Public Prosecution Service will bring three more suspects to court for insulting an official in office. Five other cases have since been dropped. The other cases are still under investigation.
During the demonstration against the corona policy, the police arrested a total of thirty people.