Three men have been convicted of murder by a Dutch court for their involvement in the shooting of investigative reporter Peter R. de Vries in 2021. The attack was carried out in downtown Amsterdam and sent shockwaves throughout the Netherlands.
Three individuals involved in the killing, including the shooter, getaway driver, and organizer, were found guilty and convicted for their roles. The shooter and driver were both sentenced to 28 years, while the organizer received a sentence of 26 years and one month.
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According to Judge Gert Oldekamp at Amsterdam District Court, the trio showcased “unprecedented ruthlessness and unscrupulousness” in their actions. The judge further stated that their disregard for human life was evident in their reckless behavior.
On July 5, 2021, De Vries was fatally shot on a bustling Amsterdam thoroughfare. Sadly, he succumbed to his wounds and passed away nine days later at the age of 64.
According to Annemiek van Spanje, the lawyer representing de Vries’ family, they are content with the ruling of the judgment. However, she pointed out that ultimately, “it won’t bring back their father.”
Nine men faced charges related to the murder, with three being convicted of complicity and receiving sentences ranging from 10 to 14 years. One of the accused was found guilty of drug possession but cleared of involvement in the murder, resulting in a four-week sentence.
The judges have acquitted two individuals who were charged with involvement in a criminal organization, stating that the prosecutors failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove the existence of such an organization.
Justine Asbroek, the spokesperson for the prosecution, expressed her satisfaction with the convictions.
During a press conference held at the courthouse, she expressed her satisfaction with the conclusion of the criminal case, albeit temporarily. She also conveyed her joy for the victim’s family, acknowledging that they now have a clear understanding of the individuals responsible for the murder.
In accordance with Dutch privacy laws, the authorities did not disclose the complete names of the suspects.
The gunman, getaway driver, and organizer of the killing were facing life sentences, while the other six suspects in the case were looking at sentences ranging from three to 21 years, as requested by the prosecutors.
The court ruled that the sentences were shorter than what was requested by the prosecution. The reason for this decision was that the prosecutors failed to prove that the suspects were involved in any criminal organization or that their actions were motivated by terrorism.
It is anticipated by Asbroek that the prosecution will appeal that particular aspect of the verdicts.
The killing of de Vries caused immense sadness, fury and indignation across the Netherlands. King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands condemned the murder of de Vries, stating that it was not just an attack on journalism, but also an assault on the rule of law, which is the foundation of our constitutional state.
According to Oldekamp, the Netherlands was deeply shaken by the murder, as it sent shockwaves throughout the country.
As an adviser and confidant, De Vries played a crucial role in the trial of the alleged leader and members of a criminal gang. Unfortunately, both the witness’ brother and lawyer were murdered, adding to the already high stakes of the trial.
In February, Ridouan Taghi, the leader of the group, was sentenced to life imprisonment for his involvement in five gang-related murders. The judges labeled him as the “undisputed leader” of a “murder organization.”
Prosecutors have yet to charge Taghi with any involvement in the assassination of de Vries. Furthermore, no suspects have been charged by prosecutors with ordering the killing of de Vries.
Oldekamp stated that the criminal case does not involve the assessment of Taghi’s alleged involvement in the murder of Peter de Vries or his intentions.
Van Spanje, the lawyer for the de Vries family, expressed disappointment earlier this year that no one had been put on trial for commissioning the murder.
In an interview with The Associated Press, she acknowledged that the trial is overshadowed by the unknown identity of the person who ordered the killing.
Within an hour of the attack, law enforcement apprehended the shooter and a Polish man known as Kamil E., who served as the getaway driver. During the court proceedings at Amsterdam District Court, prosecutors revealed that the firearm used in the shooting was discovered in the suspects’ vehicle.
