Willem Holleeder wants more research into old underworld conflicts
The first introductory session at which Willem Holleeder appeared again today set the tone for the appeal against his life sentence for murder assignments. He wants much more research into ancient underworld conflicts. It is not necessary for the judicial authorities to do this.

Paul Vugts 25-05-20, 18:43 Last update: 19:16
Some things do not change. Willem Holleeder (61), in his favorite black outfit, took a seat in the suspect's bank and asked plenty of further investigation during the prosecution leading up to his appeal to show that witnesses lied about his murder assignments - his sisters and the murdered rogue real estate magnate Willem Endstra up front.

Not he, but others have ordered five liquidations and an assassination attempt from 2002 to 2006, killing six. That may very well have been criminal rival John Mieremet, or underworld leader Stanley Hillis or another criminal heavyweight.

Last chance
Holleeder and his lawyers Sander Janssen and Desiree de Jonge do not understand how the court was able to put aside all their elaborately described alternative scenarios. They go full for their last chance.

They want the court to hear no fewer than 43 witnesses at the hearings. Dozens of criminals, especially, but also (ex-) prosecutors, investigators and - a strange duck - the dentist of the Extra Secure Facility in Vught where Holleeder is locked up. The latter could confirm that Holleeder indeed needed a new crown, and that his story about a new crown was not a disguised threat, as sister Astrid understood.

Sisters Astrid and Sonja and ex Sandra den Hartog must of course also saw through the court, says Holleeder. Personally, so that the court can also register their way of speaking and body language.

Furthermore, the defense wants to see even more old files brought in, about the many conflicts that have dominated the Amsterdam underworld since the 1990s. The murdered criminals on Holster's charge may very well have been murdered on behalf of others, he and his lawyers will repeat over and over.

The court was already overwhelmed with documents and could dream the mantra about the other enemies, but to the dismay of Holleeder believed mainly his sisters and ex, plus the two crown witnesses and a few others.

The court should know that the court has "established a reality that has not existed," said counsel Janssen.