A brutal murder case in the Zurich Oberland is causing outrage across Switzerland: In Richterswil, a 30-year-old escort woman was murdered in November 2023. The case reveals not only cruel violence but also societal failures in protecting sex workers in Switzerland.
💰 Dispute over 30,000 francs ends fatally
The 38-year-old Hassan U. had ordered the escort woman Isabella E. to his apartment. According to the indictment, he believed she had stolen 30,000 francs in cash that he had hidden in the apartment.
What began as a confrontation escalated in a brutal manner: The man is said to have bound, beaten, and injured Isabella with a knife. Hours later, the woman was dead.
⚖️ Prosecutor speaks of murder – Defense claims it was a crime of passion
The prosecution is demanding a conviction for murder with particular cruelty. The act was planned, cruel, and motivated by base motives. Isabella had no chance to defend herself.
The defense, on the other hand, argues that it was a crime of passion. Hassan U. was drunk, under pressure, and emotionally overwhelmed. He never intended to kill Isabella.
🧭 Violence against sex workers – An underestimated risk
The case highlights how vulnerable sex workers in Switzerland often are. Many work alone, without a safety net. Incidents of violence often remain in the dark because victims do not go to the police for fear of stigmatization or legal problems.
The act in Richterswil shows that even wealthy regions are not free from sexual exploitation and violence. Especially escort women are at risk because they often work in private spaces – far from public oversight.
📰 Media and society: Between sensation and responsibility
The media coverage surrounding the case was intense. However, especially regarding violence against women in sex work, sensationalism is dangerous. Victims must not be reduced to their profession.
This case raises the question: How seriously does our society take violence against sex workers? And why are there often no structures in place to ensure safety?
🔔 A murder case that extends beyond Richterswil
Hassan U. denies the intent to kill – the prosecution sees a cruel, targeted act. The court must decide: murder or manslaughter. But regardless of how the verdict turns out:
- A young woman has died,
- The case has exposed gaps in the protection system,
- And it forces society to rethink the safety and rights of sex workers.
This murder case will resonate in Switzerland for a long time — not only legally but also socially.