The police are searching for a man suspected of seriously assaulting someone on a street in Amsterdam. The attack was reportedly motivated by the victim’s sexual orientation, as stated by the police.
The incident occurred on Sunday, December 22, at approximately 4:15 a.m. The victim was sitting on a bench with a friend waiting for a taxi at the intersection of Vijzelstraat and Herengracht.
The victim overheard a gay couple being verbally abused by two men because of their sexual orientation. The suspect then approached the man on the bench and asked for a cigarette.
When the man on the bench commented on the verbal abuse, the suspect reacted aggressively, according to the police. The man on the bench then revealed that he was also homosexual.
The suspect responded by pushing him and punching him in the head. The police stated that the suspect continued to hit the victim while bystanders gathered.
The victim attempted to flee but was chased and tripped by the group. On the ground, he stated that he was kicked in the neck, shoulders, and head.
Eventually, the group walked away towards Koningsplein. Due to privacy concerns, the police have not disclosed details about the severity of the victim’s injuries.
The victim was not hospitalized. The police have called for witnesses to come forward and have released a description of the suspect.
They indicate that additional suspects may emerge from the investigation.
Source: NOS