Crime

Arrest in the death of Hajar

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema expressed condolences to the relatives and neighbours of Hajar, a 29-year-old woman from Amsterdam who was killed. After nearly two weeks in which her family had lived between hope and fear, police arrested a suspect in connection with her death. A representative assisting the family said relatives were relieved by the arrest but were in deep mourning and asked for privacy.

Halsema said Amsterdam would continue efforts to improve the safety of young women. She compared the case with the killing of 17-year-old Lisa in Duivendrecht 14 months earlier, saying the incidents caused fear, anger and indignation. She urged people not to speculate about the suspect's background while the police investigation continues, and described violence against women as a deeply rooted social problem.

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Crime

Arrest in investigation into Hajar’s death

13 sources

Police found the body of Hajar, a 29-year-old woman from Amsterdam who had been missing since 4 October, in a suitcase in the water near the Amsteldijk in Amsterdam-Zuid. Police assume she was the victim of a crime. She was last seen near the RAI after leaving by bicycle with an unidentified man in the direction of Buitenveldert. Police say it remains unclear what happened to Hajar and where she died, and they have appealed for information and camera footage. A 23-year-old Somali man with no fixed address has been arrested in connection with the investigation; no further details about his alleged role were reported.

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.

Disasters

Unrest in Floradorp after New Year bonfire ban

5 sources

Unrest broke out in Amsterdam's Floradorp after Mayor Femke Halsema rejected a proposed small-scale alternative to the neighbourhood's traditional New Year bonfire, which had also been banned. Young people lit fires, erected barricades and, during later disturbances, threw glass and stones at police. Riot police carried out several charges and arrests were made. Halsema called the violence unacceptable.

War & Conflicts

Pro-Palestinian demonstration disbanded in Amsterdam

10 sources

Several hundred pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered on Dam Square in Amsterdam and then changed their announced route toward Central Station, walking via the Rokin. Some displayed banners expressing support for Hamas and praising 7 October. Mayor Femke Halsema called the expressions shocking and distasteful. The Public Prosecution Service concluded that the expressions were not criminal and did not warrant intervention on that basis. Police stopped the march at Waterlooplein and directed protesters toward the Stopera. After some protesters initially refused to follow that instruction and unrest arose, Halsema disbanded the demonstration over fears of disorder. The Mobile Unit cleared Stoperaplein. Later, several windows at the Stopera were damaged or covered with red paint, and “BDS NOW” was painted at the city hall entrance. The municipality filed a report and police are investigating the damage.