Eritrean Riots in The Hague: A Leading Figure Sentenced to Four Years inPrison
The Hague, Netherlands – Johannes A., a 48-year-old man identified as a leading figure in the Eritrean community opposed to the current regime, was sentenced to four years in prison on Monday for his role in theviolent riots that erupted in The Hague on February 17.
The riots, which involved hundreds of Eritreans protesting against a meeting of Eritreans loyal tothe regime, resulted in a chaotic confrontation with police that lasted for hours. The violence caused an estimated €750,000 in damages, including burned cars and a tour coach. Dozens of police officers were injured during theincident.
The court described the violence as unprecedented in intensity and honored claims for damages submitted by the injured officers.
Johannes A. was found guilty of inciting and participating in the violence, including setting a tour coachablaze. He was also convicted of insulting and threatening an Eritrean woman and two cases of sedition.
The court highlighted Johannes A.’s leadership role within the Eritrean community opposed to the regime. He was not only involved in inciting the violence but also actively participated in it. His post-riot speechin the Zuiderpark, glorifying the violence, was deemed influential due to his authority within the community.
Two other suspects involved in the riots were sentenced to seven months in prison, with two months conditionally suspended. They were found to have participated in the violence but played a smaller role than Johannes A.
The riots were sparked by the discovery of the location of a meeting organized by the Nederlandse Federatie Eritrese Gemeenschappen (Dutch Federation of Eritrean Communities). The event, which took place at an event center on the Fruitweg, was initially kept secret. Around 1,500 people were inside the centerduring the riots, experiencing terrifying hours as police and riot police prevented the rioters from entering.
This sentencing is the latest development in a series of trials related to the February riots. In July, ten other suspects were convicted and sentenced to a maximum of 12 months in prison, with a portionof those sentences conditionally suspended. Another 20 rioters are scheduled to appear in court in October and November.
This report is based on information from NL Times and ANP.
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