European Federation of Journalists

European Federation of Journalists

Netherlands: Veteran journalist dies from injuries after being shot

Credit: REMKO DE WAAL / ANP / AFP
  •    News
  •   15-07-2021

Dutch journalist Peter R. de Vries has died on 15 July at the age of 64, days after being shot five times in the street in Amsterdam in a targeted shooting. The European and International Federations of Journalists (EFJ/IFJ) condemned the murder as another tragic blow to press freedom in Europe.

On 6 July, Peter R. de Vries was a guest on daily television programme RTL Boulevard. After leaving the building, he was shot several times at close range, including in the head, in a side street near the studio. The police arrested three suspects. One was later released.

Peter R. de Vries (64) is a well-known Dutch investigative journalist who covered high-profile criminal investigations. He worked for De Telegraaf, Panorama magazine, Algemeen Dagblad and ran his own crime programme on television. He won an international Emmy Award in 2008 for his work investigating the 2006 disappearance of teenager Natalee Holloway in Aruba.

On its website RTL boulevard shared a message on behalf of Peter’s family and his partner:

“Peter fought to the end, but was unable to win the battle. He is surrounded by those who love him and has passed away. Peter has lived his belief: ‘On bended knee is no way to be free’. We are immensely proud of him and at the same time inconsolable.”

The Dutch Association of Journalists’ General Secretary Thomas Bruning said:

“Peter R. de Vries was an iconic crime reporter and an unresting fighter for justice. An example for many. His death is unreal, and the anger at this brutal attack is great’’.