Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
The legal proceedings for a deadly brawl in The Hague are causing waves as suspects continue to deny each other’s accusations, with a 23-year-old Somalian asylum seeker’s tragic death at the center of the dispute. On Friday, January 10, 2025, Onur A., one of the four men accused of involvement in the fatal incident, argued in court that two of his co-defendants were attempting to shift the blame onto him. The accused men face charges related to the brutal attack on Abdi Raage, a Somalian asylum seeker, who succumbed to his injuries after being viciously beaten in a fight that escalated into a fatal confrontation.
Raage, a resident of a refugee center in Heerhugowaard, was severely injured during a brawl on the night of July 21, 2024, in the city center of The Hague. The altercation began as an argument on Lange Poten and spilled into the nearby Plein after midnight. Raage and his friend were assaulted by a group, with Raage being kicked in the head while lying on the ground. Despite being rushed to the hospital, the young man succumbed to brain damage a few hours later.
The suspects, including Onur A., were arrested in Germany in August 2024 and extradited to the Netherlands to face trial. A. was one of the men who allegedly took part in the violent attack, but he firmly denied accusations that he played a key role in Raage’s death. A. argued that the other suspects, particularly Alparslan C. and Mahmoud M., were attempting to deflect responsibility onto him. His lawyer noted that A. may provide further testimony later in the trial but emphasized the difficulty of being separated from his family for such a long time.
The case took a significant turn in early hearings as Alparslan C., 21, admitted to using significant violence during the incident. Witnesses testified that C. repeatedly kicked Raage in the chest and head, while surveillance footage captured his violent actions. C., however, denied responsibility for Raage’s death, claiming that his violent actions were in self-defense during the altercation. His lawyer argued that C. had not contributed the most to the attack, despite the mounting evidence against him.
Mahmoud M., 23, also appeared in court, where he admitted to hitting Raage’s friend but denied involvement in the fatal attack on Raage. M. pointed the finger at A. and C., suggesting they were the ones who inflicted the fatal injuries. His testimony further complicated the case, with conflicting statements from the suspects leaving the court to untangle the truth.
In their testimony, multiple witnesses described the attack as being akin to a “football penalty shootout,” with Raage being kicked mercilessly while already on the ground. One witness described the violent scene as a display of aggression, with several suspects taking part in the assault. The court has heard statements from various eyewitnesses who claim that C. was particularly violent during the attack. The public prosecutor noted that C. appeared to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the incident, further fueling the charges against him.
At a previous hearing in December 2024, prosecutors stated that they had sufficient evidence against the accused, including witness statements and footage of the assault. C., A., and M. have all had their pre-trial detention extended, with the court ordering further proceedings. The next hearing is scheduled for March 11, 2025, where the suspects will continue to fight the charges.
The case has garnered significant attention as it reveals the complexities of responsibility and accountability in violent criminal acts. With accusations flying and conflicting statements from the suspects, the court is faced with the challenging task of determining who is truly to blame for the brutal death of Abdi Raage. Meanwhile, a fourth suspect, whose name has not been publicly revealed, remains in custody, though they have not yet faced formal charges. The investigation into this case is ongoing, and Dutch authorities continue to urge anyone with information to come forward.