Mobile Phone Footage Shifts Witness to Murder Suspect in Hajar Investigation
Investigators in Amsterdam uncovered digital footage on a 23-year-old man’s mobile phone that led to him being marked as a suspect in the death of 29-year-old Hajar, transforming his status from a witness into a suspect, according to the Public Prosecution Service. The court’s chamber of counsel ordered the suspect, a man without a fixed place of residence, to remain in detention for an additional 90 days.
The case began unfolding on October 4, when Hajar was last seen alive near the RAI in Amsterdam, cycling toward the Buitenveldert neighborhood in the company of a man, who later proved to be the suspect, according to the Public Prosecution Service. Her family reported her missing. Twelve days later, on October 16, police located her body in a suitcase in the water along the Amsteldijk.
The Shift from Witness to Suspect
Before the investigation into her death began, police were working on her disappearance. Investigators reviewed camera footage, which showed she had been seen with the 23-year-old man. Other witnesses stated then that she had been with another man, which according to the Public Prosecution Service would mean the 23-year-old was not the one with whom she was last seen. For that reason, the 23-year-old was designated as a witness. Police confiscated his phone for the investigation. There, police found footage that caused him to be marked as a suspect instead of a witness. Subsequent investigative work revealed that the witnesses who claimed to spot Hajar had likely seen another woman entirely, or encountered someone at a different time. The man was identified in reporting as Abdi A. Police issued a signal, leading to his October 20 arrest in the North-Holland village of Spierdijk.
Additional Charges and Legal Proceedings
Beyond the murder investigation, the suspect faces multiple criminal allegations. Prosecutors accuse him of murder or manslaughter of Hajar and attempted murder or manslaughter targeting his former foster father, whom he had attacked in Koggenland prior to his arrest for the death of Hajar. He also faces charges of threatening a woman in the municipality of Koggenland and disposing of Hajar’s body. The suspect, who came to the Netherlands from Somalia at the age of six and lacked a fixed place of residence at the time of his arrest, had been held under restrictions, meaning he could only have contact with his lawyer. Those restrictions were lifted. The Public Prosecution Service confirmed to NOS that the suspect has invoked his right to remain silent. The first preliminary hearing follows within the 90-day extension period.
Public Scrutiny and Safety Concerns
The death of Hajar led to questions about the attention her case received. While she was reported missing on October 4, her disappearance and photograph were only made public days later. According to the police, this happened in consultation with the family. Women’s organizations Saaam Women and Rode Hakken expressed their concerns, questioning whether social reactions would have been different if Hajar had had a different name or background.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Hajar killed?
Investigation showed that she was killed in an anti-squat building in Buitenveldert.
What prompted the immediate change in the suspect’s legal status?
The finding of footage on the phone led to the man who had previously been heard as a witness being suspected of killing the 29-year-old woman.
What other offenses is the suspect facing?
He is suspected of murder or manslaughter on Hajar, attempted murder or manslaughter on his former foster father, threatening a woman in Koggenland, and disposing of Hajar’s body.
Worth a look