From April 11 to 17, 2023, Purmerend and Middenbeemster were plagued by a wave of violence. Two groups used excessive violence against each other, starting with a wild west shootout on April 11 in a residential area in Middenbeemster and ending with a bombing on Weverstraat in Purmerend on April 17. It is a miracle that no deaths or injuries occurred, but the incidents caused great fear among residents. Innocent residents also became victims, as the suspects made several mistakes. Last week, one group of five suspects appeared in court. The opposing party was tried this week. This group consists of four young men who were between 21 and 23 years old at the time. The Public Prosecution Service demands prison sentences ranging from 30 months to 18 years.
Attack in Middenbeemster the Cause
On April 11, 2023, the then 20-year-old main suspect (who stood trial this week) was visited at his home in Groenveld, Middenbeemster. He went outside with the (then) 22-year-old boy from Rotterdam (who stood trial last week). Shortly thereafter, after brief contact, both parties shot at each other on two consecutive occasions. This attack is said by the Public Prosecution Service to have been the cause of the violence explosion that took place between the two groups in the following days, as on April 12, 2023, the first retaliatory action took place. Around half past four in the morning, an explosive went off at a house on Boeierstraat in Purmerend, and subsequently, the house was shot at. The Public Prosecution Service holds the group of four suspects, led by the (then) 20-year-old main suspect, responsible for this.
Two Mistaken Attacks
On the evening of April 13, another retaliatory action was carried out by the four suspects. This time at a house on Weverstraat in Purmerend. This turned out to be a mistaken attack, in which the front door of the wrong address was shot at. On April 17, another attack took place in the same street where a heavy explosive went off. Again, the wrong address was hit. The residents were terrified, and because the front door was on fire and they had no other escape, they had to be rescued from the roof by the fire department. They were then taken to the hospital with respiratory problems by ambulance.
Again High Prison Sentences Demanded
The Public Prosecution Service demands, just like last week, long prison sentences for attempted manslaughter, arson, and complicity, as well as for extortion and preparing actions for murder and manslaughter. Against the (then) 20-year-old main suspect from Purmerend, 18 years of imprisonment is demanded. Against two other (then 19 and 20-year-old) suspects, 4 and 5 years of imprisonment are demanded for complicity in an attack with an explosive and preparatory actions for murder and manslaughter. Against the fourth (then 21-year-old) suspect, 30 months of imprisonment is demanded for complicity in carrying out an attack and for complicity in preparatory actions.
Reason Still Unclear
The prosecutor: These boys, like the boys who stood trial last week, appear in multiple investigations, do not shy away from violence, and are becoming increasingly violent. They have also caused immense suffering and involved innocent citizens in their reckless actions. There are reports found that indicate that the violence is being used deliberately. If innocent victims happen to fall, it is apparently ‘part of the game’ according to the suspects. They show no remorse and provide no transparency, as the reason for all this violence remains unclear to this day.”
The court is expected to rule on all cases on December 5.
