Community service and prison sentences of up to six weeks for the Malieveld riots. "Throwing stones? I wouldn't dare; that's not who I am."

He didn't intend to be caught in the middle of the chaos. Maurice Z., 61, from The Hague, is in court. He keeps his head bowed. His shirt is torn, and his sweatpants are covered in paint. He rubs the tattoos on his arms. He said he wanted to demonstrate against asylum policy and the housing shortage. Out of curiosity, he had joined a large group on his way to the A12 motorway. A police van had crashed into him there. "Out of anger, I hit the van."

But the prosecutor sees it differently. It didn't stop at a punch against the police van. Officers saw him throw a rock. The man: "Never! I wouldn't dare. That's not who I am."

Fourteen suspects in connection with the riots that took place last Saturday on the Malieveld and in The Hague city center appeared in court on Tuesday. The cases were handled by the police judge under the super-fast track system. The judge imposed varying sentences, from community service orders of 60 and 80 hours to prison sentences of up to six weeks, several of which were fully suspended. One man was acquitted, while another denied involvement – ​​he was arrested later, and an investigation is underway. In addition, several convicted offenders must pay money to the Victims of Violent Crimes Compensation Fund.

Serious acts of violence

What began last Saturday as a demonstration for stricter asylum policies escalated into serious violence. Groups of rioters turned on the police: officers were pelted with stones and fireworks, and a police car went up in flames. The D66 party office was also damaged.

Police arrested a total of 37 people, primarily for public violence and vandalism. Four officers and seven journalists were injured. Ten suspects were released on Sunday.

In court, the prosecutor emphasized the intensity of the afternoon. "Society is shocked by the riots," she said. "Horses, tear gas, and a water cannon were deployed. Officers feared for their safety and were afraid they would have to use their firearms. They'd never experienced such violence before."

Many say they regret it

The 61-year-old man listens calmly. He explains that his two sons still live at home, because there are no houses. "I wanted to make my voice heard because of the housing shortage." The Hague resident wants to emphasize that he is not a racist or a fascist. "My daughter-in-law is a person of color. Furthermore, I am sociable and empathetic." The sentence is: a two-week suspended prison sentence with a probationary period of two years, plus eighty hours of community service. In addition, the man must pay one thousand euros to the Victims of Violent Crimes Fund. The judge sternly reprimanded him: "No more of this kind of joking around. There's a big difference between demonstrating and making a complete mess of things." The man: "I'm grateful. I'll never do it again. I've learned my lesson."

The other suspects have similar stories. They express remorse, say they have nothing against foreigners, and point out their concerns about the housing shortage. One of them still lives with his parents; others have children who see no chance of owning their own home.

Fear of job loss

Most say they've never attended a demonstration before and stay away from football violence. Some have good jobs, others struggle with mental health issues. They fear the consequences of this trial: "I'll lose my job soon," says one. "My girlfriend will leave me soon," says another. Tears are visible in the courtroom, but the suspects do admit to having done something, "but nothing excessive." Some have clean records, others have previous convictions for minor offenses. "They seem more like followers than members of the hard core," a police officer in the hallway explains.

Mid-afternoon, 45-year-old Laurens K. from Zeewolde takes the stand. He quickly begins to sob. "These are the worst days of my life. It was a huge shock to be in jail," he says. The man is a financial manager, has a "sweet girlfriend" and children. "I'm going to lose everything." He wants to be a good example for the children. Yet, he kicked a police van, wearing a balaclava, and pulled on a mirror. The judge understands his remorse. But: "You turned against the police. They weren't there to fight; officers were there to protect everyone. And now they were afraid." Laurens K. also receives a suspended prison sentence, community service, and payment to the fund.

Two minors, aged 17 and 16, were sentenced to 50 hours of community service and 10 days of suspended juvenile detention with a 20-hour educational sentence, respectively. The case of a third minor will likely be heard at a later date.