Additional safety measures during Amsterdam Dance Event

◆1 source

Additional safety measures were being used during the Amsterdam Dance Event, including bicycle buddies who accompany visitors at night between the NDSM event site and the ferry. At Awakenings, a goodbye host was stationed at the exit to watch for people leaving alone, help with directions and provide phone charging so visitors could arrange transport or share their location.

The municipality of Amsterdam said it had introduced the measures with ADE organizers. Organizers were also receiving safety presentations, and a campaign was teaching bystanders how to intervene in unsafe situations. The measures followed concern after the reported killing of 29-year-old Hajar, whose body was found in a suitcase in Amsterdam the previous week, and the murder of 17-year-old Lisa in Duivendrecht the year before.

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Crime

Arrest in the killing of Hajar in Amsterdam

5 sources

Police arrested a 23-year-old suspect in connection with the violent death of Hajar, a 29-year-old woman from Amsterdam. Mayor Femke Halsema offered condolences to Hajar’s family and neighbours, and said the family had spent nearly two weeks between hope and fear before the worst outcome emerged. A representative assisting the family said its members are relieved that a suspect was arrested but remain deeply shocked and in mourning, and requested privacy. Halsema praised the police investigation and said speculation about the suspect’s background should await the facts of the inquiry. One report said the suspect came to the Netherlands at age six and holds a permanent residence permit. Halsema compared the case with the killing of 17-year-old Lisa in Duivendrecht the previous year, said the cases cause fear among women, and said Amsterdam will continue measures intended to improve women’s safety.

Crime

Investigation into the killing of Hajar in Amsterdam

17 sources

Hajar, 29, was reported missing after she left the area around Amsterdam RAI on 4 October with a man on a bicycle towards Buitenveldert. Her body was found in a suitcase in the Amstel near the Amsteldijk on 16 October. Police said she was killed shortly after she disappeared and now confirm that she was killed in an anti-squat former school building on De Klencke in Buitenveldert. The investigation at the building is continuing. Police arrested a 23-year-old man with Somali nationality and no fixed address in connection with her death. He had initially been treated as a witness after being seen with Hajar, but police said further investigation made him a suspect. He was arrested in Spierdijk after police responded to a violent incident at a house; a man was injured. The suspect is being held under restrictions, and police say the investigation into what happened and his possible role continues.

Crime

Search for missing woman Hajar in Amsterdam

4 sources

Police are searching for 29-year-old Hajar, who was last seen near the RAI in Amsterdam-Zuid on Sunday, 4 October. Police said she left by bicycle with an unidentified man in the direction of Buitenveldert and that they and her family are seriously concerned about her welfare.

Transport & Travel

Police seek help in Hajar death investigation

1 source

Police were still investigating Hajar’s death and asked the public for help. Flowers were found at a location where she was reportedly killed. Later, it was reported that Hajar was probably killed in a building in Buitenveldert. The investigation remains ongoing, and no further details were reported here.