In the dimly lit streets of Amsterdam’s famed red-light district, a somber scene has unfolded. On November 15, 2024, a hologram representing Bernadett “Betty” Szabo, a murdered sex worker, began to interact with passersby, embodying both a stark reminder of her tragic story and a plea for justice. This digital likeness, crafted with advanced 3D visualization technology, calls to mind the horrific day back in 2009 when the 19-year-old Hungarian-born mother was brutally murdered in her brothel room. The investigation into her death has remained cold for 15 long years.
- Hologram unveiled to aid murder investigation
- Betty Szabo murdered in 2009, case reopened
- High violence rates among Dutch sex workers
- Public engagement with hologram campaign increases
- Amsterdam red-light district relocation planned
- Interpol expands cold case identification efforts
As people stroll past the framed display, they encounter Betty’s human-sized hologram, dressed provocatively in a leopard-print bra and shorts, with a dragon tattoo etched across her torso. In a haunting mimicry of life, the hologram taps the glass, fogging it with her breath, and chillingly displays the word “HELP.” The Amsterdam police see this innovative approach as key to reviving interest in the case, hoping it will stir memories in witnesses who may have information but were too frightened to come forward in the past.
“Fifteen years ago, Betty was killed in a horrible way and the investigation was never closed,” said police spokesman Olav Brink, echoing the sentiment that the passage of time should not diminish the urgency of the case. Betty was found stabbed multiple times in her room in the bustling De Wallen district, mere months after becoming a mother. The crime, committed in such a busy area, leaves most baffled at how no concrete leads have emerged during the intervening years.
The cold case team recently revisited the investigation and uncovered “promising clues,” which prompted a renewed effort to engage the public. Anne Dreijer-Heemskerk, a member of the team, emphasized the crowded nature of the district during that fateful night, stating, “It is really almost impossible that there are no people who saw or heard something unusual at the time.” The police are eager for witnesses, who might have kept silent out of fear, to finally step forward.
What makes this campaign particularly poignant is its underlying message about the violence that sex workers frequently face. A staggering 78 percent of workers in the Netherlands report experiencing sexual violence, with 60 percent stating they’ve faced physical attacks. The pandemic exacerbated these issues, pushing some into illegal work while limiting their ability to report crimes.
In the week following the display’s unveiling, conversations among locals and tourists surged, prompting a hopeful glimmer in the police department. “We find it quite special that Betty can bring attention to her case this way,” stated Brink, indicating a shift in the narrative surrounding her life and death. The project has not only been about uncovering the truth behind Betty’s murder but has also served as a reminder of the systemic vulnerabilities that many sex workers endure.
Meeting locals near the display, one resident, Theo, expressed that he traveled to see the hologram after reading about it in the news. His sentiment reflects a community grappling with its past and seeking closure. Nearby, Soyoon Jun, who lives close to De Wallen, felt shaken. “It wasn’t just information that was given out,” she noted, emphasizing how the hologram rendered Betty’s tragedy palpable, evoking feelings of helplessness and empathy.
The police’s hope is that the campaign will ultimately yield a “golden tip,” a breakthrough that could reopen the case once and for all. A reward of 30,000 euros has been offered to encourage whistleblowers to step forward. Brink stated, “There are still people who know what has happened to Betty,” expressing optimism that time might encourage more openness among potential witnesses.
As plans unfold to potentially relocate Amsterdam’s red-light district—prompted by concerns over safety and tourism—the visibility of such a display in the heart of De Wallen raises questions about the future of awareness regarding the vulnerabilities of sex workers. The aim, according to local advocates, is not solely about seeking justice for Betty but also raising awareness for the many lives impacted within this often-misunderstood profession.
Meanwhile, efforts to resolve colder cases across Europe have gained momentum, with Interpol recently announcing a campaign to identify 46 unidentified women tied to unsolved crimes. This broader initiative underscores the ongoing struggle to bring justice to victims who have been lost to society, much like Betty Szabo. As the police hold onto hope for new information arising from these efforts, they remain resolute in their mission: to finally deliver closure to Betty’s family and to honor her memory by shedding light on the dark issues surrounding the sex work industry.
