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The murder trial against nine suspects has begun in the case of the slain Dutch crime reporter Peter R. de Vries (†64). Since Tuesday, the suspects have had to answer for murder or accessory to murder in the heavily guarded high-security court in Amsterdam.
The indictment also accuses seven of them of forming a criminal organization with terrorist intent. The murder is said to be the work of a notorious drug gang. The alleged perpetrator and the driver of the getaway car are on trial for the second time in the case. Her trial had to be repeated for procedural reasons.
The prominent TV reporter was shot in public in the middle of Amsterdam in the summer of 2021 at the age of 64. He later died from his serious injuries. Videos of the incident spread online at record speed. The crime seriously shocked the Netherlands. Immediately afterwards, two main suspects were arrested.
De Vries was a confidant of a key witness
There are indications that the drug gang of the notorious criminal Ridouan Taghi may be responsible for the murder. De Vries was a confidante of a key witness who testified in the extensive criminal trial against Taghi and his accomplices. The brother and lawyer of the key witness had been murdered earlier.
During the course of the investigation into the clients, seven other men were arrested. But there is not enough evidence against the Taghi gang.
Perpetrators filmed murder
In 2022, the Public Prosecution Service had already demanded life imprisonment for the alleged shooter and the driver of the getaway car. The sentencing was subsequently stayed when new evidence emerged. Then the court decided to repeat the trial after a judge moved abroad.
Also charged are the alleged organizer of the murder and two men who allegedly filmed the crime and distributed the images on the Internet. According to the Public Prosecution Service, this was intended to increase the shock in society. A ruling is expected in June. (SDA)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
