paroolFeb 21, 2026, 02:00

Why the assassination of underworld kingpin Stanley Hillis still raises questions 15 years later

Stanley Hillis, a prominent leader in the Amsterdam underworld, was assassinated on February 21, 2011, while attending a meeting in the Watergraafsmeer district. Despite undercover police officers monitoring the scene from a nearby trailer, the killers managed to escape due to a series of law enforcement communication blunders. The case remains significant in Dutch criminal history because of Hillis's extensive influence and the controversial failure of the police to prevent the hit or capture the suspects.

Amsterdam Netherlands

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Comet over the city: "Never seen anything like it"

A suspected comet was spotted over Amsterdam around 10:30 PM, prompting numerous citizens to share video footage of the event. Similar sightings of the object were reported across other parts of the Netherlands at the same time.

Festivalgoers dance the day away at Mini Milkshake: "I can be myself here"

Hundreds of festival-goers with intellectual disabilities gathered at Amsterdam's Westerpark for the Mini Milkshake festival. The event serves as an inclusive tradition, allowing attendees to enjoy a festival experience in an environment where they feel comfortable being themselves.

Two explosions and vandalism: CCTV cameras installed on Amsterdam square

The municipality of Amsterdam has implemented camera surveillance on Abraham Staalmanplein following two explosions and incidents of vandalism targeting a local toy store. These security measures will remain in effect for at least one month due to significant community impact and fears of further violence.

Carla drops out just before the start of the Four Days Marches but receives her gladioli anyway

After a leg injury prevented Carla van Bochoven from participating in the Nijmegen Vierdaagse, she successfully completed an equivalent distance by cycling around her hometown of Haarlem to raise money for ALS research in memory of her late partner. She concluded her personal challenge in Bennebroek, receiving gladioli to mark the achievement despite missing the traditional event atmosphere.

Rainbow Dress on display at Dutch National Opera & Ballet starting tomorrow

The Rainbow Dress, a symbol of LGBTQIA+ solidarity and resistance, will be displayed at the Nationale Opera & Ballet in Amsterdam for two weeks during WorldPride. The exhibition features the dress, made from flags of countries where LGBTQIA+ individuals face persecution, alongside screens sharing personal stories from those nations.