The Public Prosecution Service demands a life sentence in the appeal for three suspects in the case regarding the murder of Peter R. de Vries. These include the suspected shooter, the driver, and the man who directed the shooter and driver. For six other suspects, prison sentences ranging from three to seventeen years have been demanded.
On July 6, 2021, Peter R. de Vries was shot in Amsterdam, and nine days later he died from his injuries. Shortly after the execution, the suspected shooter and driver were arrested. In the subsequent investigation, seven other suspects were arrested. They are suspected of having played a role in the murder. In 2024, the Amsterdam court sentenced six men to prison terms, while three suspects were acquitted. The Public Prosecution Service has appealed in all cases.
Well-oiled machine
Unlike the Amsterdam court, the Public Prosecution Service believes that the suspects were part of a criminal organization. The Public Prosecution Service views the group of suspects involved in the murder as a well-oiled machine. Each suspect had their own role and share in preparing and executing the murder. In addition to the shooter and driver, there were individuals directing and spotters were used. The spotters also filmed the severely injured victim.
In April 2025, a new suspect was arrested, and his trial will be substantively dealt with at a later time. He is said to have had a leadership role from prison in Curaçao. He issued orders to the suspects who are now on trial and also ensured they were paid. The Public Prosecution Service states that this confirms that it is a criminal organization with directing clients.
Terrorist intent
Seven suspects were prosecuted in court for complicity in the murder with terrorist intent. The court acquitted the suspects on that point. The Public Prosecution Service believes that Peter R. de Vries was murdered because he assisted the crown witness in the Marengo trial. The murder can therefore be seen as an attack on the rule of law. It is possible that this was also the additional goal of the still unknown client(s). The Public Prosecution Service does not see that this was actually the goal of this group of suspects who are now on appeal. Therefore, it has been decided to request acquittal on that point.
The attorneys-general (prosecutors in appeal) extensively reflected today on the impact of the murder and believe that high prison sentences are warranted. “This criminal organization has taken the life of a widely respected crime journalist who fought day and night against injustice. His relatives feel the loss every day, and this loss will never go away. The suspects have all contributed to the suffering inflicted on the relatives and to the public unrest, outrage, and feelings of insecurity in society. All suspects are responsible and punishable for a gruesome and cowardly act that was committed with astonishing coldness.”
The suspicions and sentences in appeal
- Against a now 26-year-old man, the Public Prosecution Service demands a life sentence for complicity in the murder and possession of firearms, including the murder weapon, and ammunition. He is suspected of having shot Peter R. de Vries.
- Against a now 39-year-old man, the Public Prosecution Service demands a life sentence for complicity in the murder and possession of firearms, including the murder weapon, and ammunition. He is suspected of having conducted reconnaissance and driven the car they used to get to the crime scene. He is also suspected of having driven the getaway car.
- Against a now 40-year-old man, the Public Prosecution Service demands a life sentence for complicity in the murder and possession of firearms, including the murder weapon, and ammunition. He is also suspected of being part of a criminal organization. He is suspected of having directed the two executors, shooter and driver. He is said to have been a spider in the web and played an organizational and facilitating role.
- Against two men now aged 29 and 30, the Public Prosecution Service demands 17 years in prison for complicity in the murder. They are also suspected of participating in a criminal organization. They are said to have conducted reconnaissance in June and July 2021. On July 6, 2021, they are suspected of having filmed the victim after the attack.
- Against a now 33-year-old man, the Public Prosecution Service demands a 17-year prison sentence for complicity in the murder, complicity in possession of firearms, including the murder weapon, and ammunition. He is also suspected of having been a member of the criminal organization. He is suspected of being the intended shooter for the planned assassination on July 5. He is also suspected of having picked up the weapons, ammunition, and pgp phone and passed them on to the two men suspected of carrying out the murder.
- Against a now 36-year-old man, the Public Prosecution Service demands 14 years in prison for complicity in the murder and participation in the criminal organization. He is suspected of having conducted reconnaissance in June and July 2021. He is also suspected of having gathered information that was important for the assassination attempt online.
- Against a now 32-year-old man, the Public Prosecution Service demands 4 years for participation in the criminal organization. He is suspected of having fulfilled a directing and facilitating role for the filmmakers.
- Against a now 30-year-old man, the Public Prosecution Service demands 3 years in prison for participation in the criminal organization. He was involved in May 2021 in a search for a person, with the order to inflict serious bodily harm on this person. Messages between him and the filmmakers would indicate that he was intended to play a role in the murder on July 6, 2021. Because he was arrested in May 2021, he could not fulfill that role. He is suspected of having advised the filmmakers from prison.
