Man convicted in investigative journalist’s murder stabbed in prison incident
A man convicted for his role as a driver and key participant in the killing of Dutch investigative journalist Peter R. de Vries was attacked with a fork inside a prison in Roermond, Limburg, on Monday, according to authorities and multiple sources cited by AD.
The victim of the assault is Kamil E., who is serving a 27.5-year prison sentence for his involvement in the murder case, including driving the gunman in Amsterdam and carrying out reconnaissance in the weeks leading up to the killing.
The incident took place late in the morning when E. was suddenly approached from behind by another inmate, pulled to the ground, and repeatedly stabbed in the neck and head with a fork. The attack left a bloody scene inside the prison.
Prison staff responded quickly, but E. still sustained serious injuries. According to information confirmed by AD sources, the fork narrowly missed his carotid artery by about one centimeter. He was examined by a doctor, and hospital treatment was not deemed necessary. Prison authorities have filed a formal police report and launched an investigation into the incident.
E.’s lawyer, Ayşe Çimen, confirmed that her client was assaulted and said, “For now, there appears to be no connection between my client’s criminal case and this attack.” She also confirmed that a report has been filed regarding the incident.
The alleged attacker had only recently been transferred to the Roermond prison, arriving a few days before the assault. Sources said he already appeared confused upon entry.
E. was convicted on appeal at the end of last year and sentenced to 27.5 years in prison for his role in the killing of Peter R. de Vries in Amsterdam, Noord-Holland. According to court findings, he transported the shooter and conducted reconnaissance missions in the weeks prior to the assassination.
During the appeal proceedings, E. stated that he had initially been told he would be the one to kill De Vries, allegedly in exchange for 80,000 euros. He said he originally received the assignment to carry out the killing but later refused. He further claimed that he was subsequently forced to act as a driver on the day of the shooting under the threat that he would otherwise be killed.
