Aid worker Joost Heinen (65) beaten to death by client on Hoofdweg

On May 9, 2022, a tragic incident took place on the Hoofdweg in Amsterdam-West when 65-year-old Joost Heinen, an experienced social worker at HVO-Querido, was helping his client Bulent D. clean his home. During this visit, Heinen was suddenly struck on the head with a bottle, after which he was found on the street severely injured and unconscious. Despite medical assistance, he passed away in the hospital six days later, sending shockwaves through his colleagues and the social work sector. The 41-year-old Bulent D. was arrested immediately after the incident, and during the court case in January 2025, investigations revealed that he was completely unaccountable for his actions at the time of the attack due to a severe form of epilepsy. Because experts determined he acted in a confused "twilight state" and could not remember the incident, the court did not impose a prison sentence but instead sentenced him to TBS with compulsory psychiatric care (mandatory treatment in a secure facility) to ensure the safety of society.