The Netherlands State Secretary for Benefits and Customs, Nora Achahbar, of Moroccan origin, resigned on Friday in protest against the government’s handling of recent football fan clashes in Amsterdam, according to multiple Dutch media sources.
The controversy erupted after violent clashes involving supporters of Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv and Aajx Amsterdam.
Despite evidence linking Israeli fans to property damage and racist chants against Arabs and Muslims, authorities arrested 62 individuals, most of whom were of Moroccan origin.
Achahbar criticized the government’s response, particularly the racist remarks made by some officials in the aftermath of the unrest. She condemned the lack of accountability and called for immediate reform before stepping down.
Before entering politics, she had a distinguished career as a prosecutor, lawyer, and judge in the Netherlands. Her resignation comes amid growing public discontent over the government’s handling of the situation, with many accusing it of unfairly targeting immigrants and Dutch citizens of Moroccan descent.
Critics have accused the government of discriminatory practices, citing the decision to allow Israeli supporters to leave the country unpunished.
The double standard has sparked outrage across the Netherlands, with activists and community leaders decrying what they see as a pattern of institutional bias and racism.
Dutch media reported on Friday afternoon that a crisis has arisen at the official residence of the Prime Minister, known as the Catshuis.