Dutch crime journalist Peter R de Vries dies following assassination attempt
Dutch crime journalist Peter R de Vries has died after an assassination attempt in Amsterdam nine days ago, according to reports.
The well-known investigative journalist was shot in Lange Leidsedwarsstraat, an Amsterdam street close to a public square minutes after he left a TV studio on 6 July.
“Peter fought to the end but was unable to win the battle,” his family said in a statement via Dutch network RTL News, which De Vries regularly contributed to.
The 64-year-old reporter has a track record of uncovering murders, kidnappers and kingpins.
“Peter has lived by his conviction: ‘On bended knee is no way to be free,'” the family said.
“We are unbelievably proud of him and at the same time inconsolable.”
Five shots were fired at close range, according to Dutch media reports, as police confirmed later that evening they had arrested three people in connection with the shooting.
Previously De Vries had received police protection after death threats were made due to his involvement in a number of high-profile murder cases.
His death as sparked a public outpour from fans and top law figures like the president of the European Parliament.