Telegraph photographer Jan Stappenbeld captured hostage execution during Moluccan train hijacking in Wijster: ‘Day when my life changed’

In addition to intense memories, the train hijacking near Wijster also earned former Telegraaf press photographer Jan Stappenbeld the first prize in the prestigious World Press Photo election. Half a century later, the now retired, now almost 80-year-old professional looks back in his Zwolle apartment on December 4, 1975. “The day on which Bert Bierling’s life was taken and my life changed dramatically.”

ttn-2