In the heart of Amsterdam, a hologram of a murdered sex worker named Betty has been created by Dutch police in hopes of solving a cold case that dates back to 2009. Betty, a Hungarian-born woman, was only 19 years old when she was brutally murdered in her brothel room in the red-light district. Despite extensive police investigations at the time, the case remained unsolved for years.
Now, 15 years later, the police have decided to reopen the investigation after discovering new leads. The hologram of Betty, designed using advanced 3D visualization technology, stands by a canal in De Wallen, tapping the glass and fogging it up with the word “HELP.” The police hope that this lifelike representation of Betty will prompt witnesses to come forward with any information they may have about her murder.
The initiative not only aims to solve Betty’s case but also to raise awareness about the violence faced by sex workers in the Netherlands. According to a 2018 report, around 78% of prostitutes in the country have experienced sexual violence, and 60% have been physically attacked. The Covid-19 pandemic further exacerbated the situation, with some sex workers forced to work illegally due to income loss, making it harder for them to report crimes.
Since the hologram was unveiled, the police have received several tips from the public. However, they are still waiting for the crucial piece of information that will lead them to Betty’s killer. To incentivize individuals to come forward, a reward of 30,000 euros has been offered for the “golden tip.”
The hologram of Betty has sparked conversations among locals and visitors in De Wallen, with many expressing shock and sadness over her tragic fate. The display, titled “Who was Betty?” has not only shed light on Betty’s story but also highlighted the challenges faced by sex workers in the red-light district.
While the hologram serves as a unique way to draw attention to the cold case, there are concerns about the future of Amsterdam’s red-light district. The local government is planning to relocate the district to a new area south of the city, which has raised objections from residents and sex workers who feel safe in the current location.
Amidst efforts to solve cold cases, Interpol has launched a new campaign to identify women whose remains have been found across Europe in unsolved cases. The initiative seeks to bring closure to families and solve long-standing mysteries surrounding these women’s deaths. Through collaborative efforts and innovative techniques like hologram technology, law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to seek justice for victims and their loved ones.
