Amsterdam mayor honors murdered journalist De Vries: ‘We miss what he stood for’
On Wednesday, Amsterdam commemorates the death of crime journalist Peter R. de Vries. He was shot on July 6, 2021, and passed away nine days later, on July 15, from his injuries. He was 64 years old. On Wednesday, Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema shared a message about him on Instagram.
“It is exactly five years ago that Peter R. de Vries died as a result of the attack on him,” Halsema wrote. “We still miss Peter and we miss what he stood for. Much strength and love to the family today.”
De Vries was shot at close range on Lange Leidsedwarsstraat in Amsterdam. He was walking to his car after appearing as a guest on the RTL Boulevard television program that night.
De Vries’ assassination was linked to the criminal network of alleged drug kingpin Ridouan Taghi. De Vries was a confidant to Nabil B., a suspect turned witness on Taghi’s criminal organization. B.’s brother, Reduan, and lawyer, Derk Wiersum, were also murdered.
Authorities arrested the gunman, Delano G., and the getaway driver, Kamil E., on the night of the shooting. Krystian M., who orchestrated the attack, was arrested later.
In December 2025, the three men received prison sentences of up to 27.5 years on appeal. Another suspect later identified Jaouad F., Taghi's relative, as the person who allegedly ordered the attack on De Vries.
RTL also paid tribute to De Vries on social media Wednesday, calling him “a much-loved colleague” who “took on many crime cases with enormous dedication.”
According to the network, De Vries gave victims hope by “tirelessly exposing injustice.” “He was exceptional not only as a crime journalist, but also as a family man and friend,” the statement said. “No matter how busy he was, Peter was there for others. His courage, commitment, and tenacity are a lasting inspiration.”
On the anniversary of the shooting nine days ago, De Vries’ son Royce shared his thoughts on Instagram.
“On the one hand, it feels like yesterday,” Royce wrote. “On the other hand, so much has happened. We have lived a whole life since then.”
“He didn’t see my sons grow up and was unable to experience so many beautiful and special moments in our lives,” he continued. “That hurts. It is precisely in these moments that I still miss him terribly.”
But Royce said he chooses not to dwell on the loss. “Today, I mainly want to think about all the beautiful memories, about who he was, about his humor, his love, and everything he gave us,” he wrote. “I carry that with me every day.”
