Dutch lawyer withdraws from Holleeder case

In the Netherlands, the lawyer of the country’s most notorious criminal has withdrawn as his defence counsel. The lawyer, Bram Moszkowicz has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks to withdraw from the case of Willem Holleeder, who is notorious for organising the kidnapping and murder of beer tycoon Freddy Heineken in the 1980s. Mr Moszkowicz is accused by his critics of being too friendly with his client, so much so that a Dutch court ruled last week that the lawyer could be called a “mafia buddy” by a journalist.

In a live press conference on Dutch television, Mr Moszkowicz dismissed all criticism at his address, but added that his reputation had been so badly damaged that it would be difficult to continue defending his client. He also criticised Dutch courts, openly doubting whether Willem Holleeder could receive a fair trial in the Netherlands.

Source: Radio Netherlands, 19 February 2007