Peter R. de Vries death: Why was Peter R. de Vries assassinated?

The most well-known crime reporter in the Netherlands for many years was Peter R. de Vries (1956). De Vries had many scoops to his name and covered a lengthy list of high profile cases—many of which also attracted notice abroad—as a writer for newspapers and magazines, author of nonfiction books, and host of his own television program, Peter R. de Vries: Crime Reporter.

For his coverage of the Natalee Holloway Case in 2008, De Vries received an International Emmy Award in Current Affairs. Beth Holloway, Natalee’s mother, accompanied him to the prize presentation. Cold cases and high-profile affairs were De Vries’ areas of expertise. His TV show contributed to the resolution of more than a dozen murder cases.

Peter R. de Vries death: Why was Peter R. de Vries assassinated?

The degree of protection De Vries received from the state is the subject of an ongoing investigation. De Vries was warned by the police that Taghi had him on his hit list in 2019. He made the news public and was unwilling to establish a personal security squad. He was as fearless and practical as ever.

Whether it is confirmed that De Vries was targeted because he was a journalist or a spokesperson for Nabil Bakkali, many see his murder as a direct assault on the Netherlands’ democracy and freedom of speech.