OSCE Media Freedom Representative outraged at shooting of prominent journalist in the Netherlands

VIENNA, 7 July 2021 - OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro expressed her outrage at the shooting of prominent Dutch investigative reporter, Peter R. de Vries.

“This is a horrifying, cruel attack,” said Ribeiro. “My thoughts are with Peter de Vries, his family, friends and colleagues. Journalists should always be able to do their work safely and securely. An attack on a journalist is an attack on freedom of expression and on democracy. There can be no impunity for such heinous crimes.”

Last night, Vries was shot in Amsterdam minutes after leaving a TV studio where he had appeared on a show. He was transferred to the hospital and is in critical condition. Shortly after the shooting, three suspects were arrested, including the possible gunman.

The reporter is known for his lifetime career of investigative crime journalism, exposing mobsters and drug lords, and has helped the police solve a number of high-profile cases. Over the last few years, De Vries has been under threat but has reportedly refused to be heavily guarded.

Freedom of Media Representative Ribeiro welcomed the Dutch police’s rapid arrest of the alleged suspects. “I call on the Dutch authorities to swiftly identify and bring to justice those responsible and to clearly determine the motivation behind this terrible attack. Whoever is guilty of planning and executing this assault has to be held accountable.”

Ribeiro stressed that she is deeply concerned by the increasing trend of serious threats and physical attacks against journalists around the OSCE region, which has forced them to work under police protection. “Freedom for journalists to perform their work safely and securely and for citizens to have access to information of public interest is a fundamental right without which a democratic society cannot thrive,” the Representative said. “I call on all OSCE participating States to support and enable a free, varied and safe media environment.”

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.