In Amsterdam’s notorious red-light district of De Wallen, a hologram of Bernadett Szabo, a sex worker murdered in 2009, is drawing the attention of passersby. Dutch police hope the initiative will help solve a case that has been unsolved for 15 years.
A projection of Betty – Bernadett Szabo’s nickname – vividly shows her in a sexy outfit with a large dragon tattoo on her body. The image of her touching the glass and the word “HELP” appearing faintly on the screen is haunting.
Unsolved murder
Hungarian-born Betty was brutally murdered in her office aged just 19, stabbed multiple times, just months after giving birth to her first son.
The case was investigated extensively but ultimately inconclusive. Amsterdam police said they had uncovered new clues during a review of the file and decided to reopen the case.
The hologram technology is expected to stimulate the memories of those who knew or witnessed anything related to Betty's death. Police have also received a number of new statements since the release of the projection but are still waiting for "golden clues" that could lead to the arrest of the culprit. Anyone who provides key information will receive a reward of 30,000 euros.
In addition to seeking information about the case, the initiative also aims to raise awareness of the risks faced by sex workers. According to a 2018 report from human rights organizations in the Netherlands, 78% of sex workers have experienced sexual violence and 60% have been physically assaulted.
Violence against sex workers has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, as incomes have been severely affected, forcing many to work illegally and making it difficult to report assaults.
Controversy over red-light district relocation plan
The area of De Wallen, where the murder took place, is one of Amsterdam's busiest. However, local authorities are planning to relocate the red-light district to a new center in the south of the city to reduce petty crime and tourist numbers. The plan has met with strong opposition from residents and sex workers, who say security and crowd control should be improved instead of relocation.
Many fear that moving to a new location will increase the risk of violence due to isolation. "De Wallen has the presence of tourists, people and all the activities around, it makes it feel safer," commented one local resident.
