Three men on trial for throwing two victims into the Amstel River in Amsterdam

amsterdam - Three suspects are facing trial for throwing two men into the Amstel River in Amsterdam, near the gay nightlife area, with one of them facing a 22-month prison sentence. The victims were saved thanks to the heroic actions of bystanders forming a human chain.

On Tuesday, three suspects appeared in court in Amsterdam for allegedly throwing two men into the Amstel River on June 2nd, near the gay nightlife area in Halve Maensteeg. The prosecution demanded the highest sentence of 22 months, with 5 of them suspended, for Numair A. (19) for attempted manslaughter and public violence. He admitted to pushing the two men into the water.

Thanks to the heroic intervention of bystanders, the victims narrowly escaped drowning. By forming a human chain, they managed to pull the two drowning men out of the Amstel, preventing a tragic outcome. One of the victims expressed his gratitude, stating "I thought I was a goner" as he touched the riverbed with his feet. The prosecution highlighted that the suspects knowingly put their victims at risk of drowning.

Two of the suspects were also charged with violence against gay individuals at Leidseplein in Amsterdam last September. Besides A., Raies G. (20) was implicated in both incidents and was accused of throwing a lit cigarette butt in a victim's eye before the water incident. G. faces 18 months in prison, 4 of which are suspended. No'maan S. (20) was only involved in the violence at Amstel and is recommended a 150-hour community service sentence due to his minor role.

The prosecutor emphasized the deadly consequences of falling into a canal, citing a rising trend of drownings in Amsterdam's canals. He distinguished accidental drownings from intentional acts like these, driven by discrimination. The repeated pattern of asking victims about their sexual orientation before resorting to violence adds an aggravating factor to the case.

Despite the suspects denying any bias against homosexuals, witnesses confirmed they had made homophobic remarks in the Halve Maensteeg, a popular spot among the LGBTQ+ community. Tensions escalated as it became apparent the victims couldn't swim, with one suspect callously remarking "I don't give a shit" and threatening violence based on sexual orientation.