Long-Awaited Trial Begins for Nine Men Accused in Fatal Shooting of Dutch Investigative Reporter

Amsterdam –

A highly anticipated trial commenced on Tuesday, as nine individuals faced charges related to the fatal shooting of renowned Dutch investigative reporter, Peter R. de Vries, that occurred on a busy Amsterdam street in 2021. The incident shocked the nation, and the trial has been long-delayed. Among the accused is Delano G., who allegedly carried out the brazen attack on De Vries in broad daylight on July 6, 2021. Dutch privacy laws protect the identities of suspects, hence they are only identified by their first name and the first initial of their family name.

Peter R. de Vries, a beloved reporter and television presenter, tragically succumbed to his injuries nine days after the shooting, at the age of 64. The shocking slaying sent shockwaves throughout the Netherlands and prompted an outpouring of grief. Dutch King Willem-Alexander condemned the act, describing it as “an attack on journalism, the cornerstone of our constitutional state, and therefore, an attack on the rule of law.”

Prior to his untimely death, De Vries had been serving as an advisor and confidant for a protected witness in a separate trial involving the alleged leader and other members of a criminal organization. Authorities had described this group as an “oiled killing machine.” Verdicts in that case are expected to be delivered next month.

The trial for the fatal shooting of Peter R. de Vries commenced in a heavily guarded courtroom on the outskirts of Amsterdam. Armed police, donning body armor and ski masks, patrolled the surrounding streets, ensuring heightened security. As the court proceedings began, vehicles carrying the suspects entered the court’s underground parking lot.

During the trial, some of the defendants vehemently denied any involvement in the assassination, while others exercised their right to remain silent. Less than an hour after the attack, the alleged shooter was apprehended along with a Polish national identified as Kamil E., who was believed to be the getaway driver. Prosecutors informed judges at Amsterdam District Court that the weapon used in the shooting was discovered in their vehicle.

In 2022, the two initial suspects faced trial, and prosecutors sought life sentences for both. However, the court did not deliver verdicts as prosecutors introduced new evidence late in the proceedings, following a series of subsequent arrests.

Now, the original two suspects are being tried alongside seven others who were arrested in the weeks and months following the slaying. All the accused individuals are believed to have been involved in organizing the hit on De Vries.

The trial is expected to span until the end of February, with verdicts likely to be announced in the subsequent weeks.