Top lawyer Bram Moszkowicz launched a passionate and furious attack against the media, the justice system, politicians and the public prosecution service at a press conference in Amsterdam this afternoon before finally announcing that he will step down as defence lawyer for crime boss suspect Willem Holleeder.

Holleeder, who was released from prison in 1992 after serving five years for kidnapping beer boss Freddy Heineken, is accused of blackmailing several real estate magnates. He is also being investigated in relation to several gangland killings.
Moszkowicz said he had made his decision in the interests of his client but said he had serious doubts as to whether it was possible for Holleeder to get a fair trial in the Netherlands.
He described media coverage of Holleeder as a scandal and pointed out on several occasions that suspects should be treated as innocent until found guilty by a court. Holleeder’s trial is due to start in April.
Moszkowicz has been the centre of media attention for the past week because of his relationship with Holleeder, whom he has known for 20 years. Last week a judge ruled that Jort Kelder, editor of Quote magazine, was within his rights when he called Moszkowicz ‘mafia buddies’ with Holleeder.
The lawyer is furious with the outcome and is to appeal. ‘As far as I am concerned Holleeder is a person and that is how I treat him,’ Moszkowicz said.
Moszkowicz was placed under police protection on Friday.