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Press release

Director-General condemns killing of journalist Peter R. de Vries in The Netherlands

15/07/2021

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay has called for an investigation into the killing of journalist Peter R. de Vries in Amsterdam.

I condemn the attack which resulted in the death of veteran reporter Peter R. de Vries. His relentless commitment to the profession, and eagerness to unveil the truth, for the families of crime victims as well as for Dutch society, are commendable. I trust that the authorities will bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice, to show that neither the right to free expression nor the course of justice can be obstructed through violence.

Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO

De Vries was attacked on 6 July after leaving a TV studio in central Amsterdam, suffering multiple gun shots. The veteran crime reporter was taken to a hospital in critical condition, and ultimately passed away today.

De Vries had a long career in investigative crime reporting, including on a prominent kidnapping case and several cold cases where he assisted victims’ families. He also had his own TV show for 17 years  and was a frequent guest in talk shows. Recently, de Vries had been supporting the crown witness in a large crime case. Two other persons associated with the crown witness have been killed in past years. 

UNESCO promotes the safety of journalists through global awareness-raising, capacity building and a range of actions, notably in the framework of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.