A hologram of a murdered sex worker is haunting Amsterdam's Red Light District
14 November 2024
Since last Saturday, a life-size hologram of 19-year-old Betty Szabó has been standing in a brothel window of the iconic Red Light District in Amsterdam, knocking on the glass and silently asking passers-by for help. Betty, a Hungarian national, was found stabbed to death in a window brothel in the same area back in 2009, but her killer has never been found.
This is a last-ditch effort to solve the case, which has left investigators scratching their heads. The murder happened in one of the busiest parts of Amsterdam – if not the entire country – and police believe it's almost certain that someone saw or heard something at the time. They're hoping this unusual approach will jog memories and lead to new tips.
The hologram will remain on display until Saturday, with stickers in the windows sharing details about Betty's case. Posters have been put up around the neighbourhood, and flyers are being distributed. The reward for the crucial tip has also been increased to €30,000.
![]() | Nathan Domon This case highlights the dangers faced by sex workers. As Amsterdam debates a controversial plan to relocate its iconic window brothels to a remote “erotic centre”, sex workers warn that pushing the industry out of public view will only make their work more dangerous. |
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