THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Hundreds of people have walked hand-in-hand through Amsterdam to show solidarity with two gay men who were badly beaten over the weekend in the eastern city of Arnhem.

The peaceful march on Wednesday was part of a national outpouring of emotion over the beating of the married couple by a group of youths.

The men told police the confrontation started because they were holding hands.

Prosecutors say five suspects, all in their teens, will be charged Thursday with causing serious bodily harm.

Marcher Marion van Hees says she campaigned for gay rights during the 1960s and at age 68 "thought we were finished with it, that we had achieved it. But that is not the case, and that is very sad."