Prosecutors seek life sentences for men behind journalist Peter R. de Vries’ murder
The Public Prosecution Service (OM) is seeking life sentences for several men involved in the 2021 assassination of crime journalist Peter R. de Vries, as the Amsterdam Court of Appeal hears the case this week. Nine men are on trial for roles ranging from planning to execution in the daylight shooting that left De Vries dead. Earlier, a lower court handed down sentences of up to 28 years in prison and acquitted some suspects. Prosecutors have appealed, calling for life in prison for some.
Shortly before the lower court’s verdict, prosecutors introduced a new anonymous witness, dubbed “witness 5089,’ whose testimony led to additional arrests. The case expanded from two suspects to nine, requiring a largely new trial. Witness 5089 will also be questioned in court this week.
De Vries was shot in the head on July 6, 2021, in central Amsterdam and died nine days later. His son, Royce de Vries, told RTL Boulevard, “The murder of my father is something that still haunts my mind all day.” The Public Prosecution Service classifies the killing as a terrorist act, citing its execution in broad daylight in a crowded area and the use of videos to spread fear.
Investigators have identified two collaborating groups: a Polish faction, including the alleged organizer, and an Antillean group, two of whom filmed the shooting.
De Vries's children, Royce and Kelly de Vries, intend to speak in court again this week. Royce said, “We debated it, but we think there are new things to share.”
Prosecutors believe De Vries was killed because of his support for a crown witness in the trial against Ridouan Taghi, though direct evidence remains limited. One Polish suspect had previously carried out violent tasks for Taghi’s organization.
Last year, the OM sought life sentences for three suspects and prison terms of 3–21 years for the others. The court reduced the maximum sentence to 28 years and acquitted three defendants, citing insufficient evidence of their involvement in the criminal organization. Defense attorneys criticized prosecutors for urging the suspects to break their silence, warning of potential revenge attacks.
During the appeal, a tenth suspect, a No Limit Soldiers criminal gang leader from Curaçao, was brought in. Prosecutors say he coordinated vehicles, phones, money, and safe housing for the Antillean group. He faces a separate trial but is testifying this week.
